New High Commissioners to Be Appointed Following G7 Summit
India and Canada have agreed to restore full diplomatic ties and appoint new high commissioners marking a significant thaw in strained relations following months of tension in the sideline of G7 Leaders’ Summit. A statement issued by the office of the Canadian Prime Minister said that Carney and Modi reaffirmed the importance of Canada-India ties based upon mutual respect the rule of law and a commitment to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The leaders agreed to designate new high commissioners with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries” the statement said.
The two leaders also discussed strong and historic ties between the peoples partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and significant commercial links between Canada and India – including partnerships in economic growth supply chains and energy transformation.
Carney “raised priorities on the G7 agenda including transnational crime and repression security and the rules-based order” the statement said adding that the leaders also discussed opportunities to deepen engagement in areas such as technology the digital transition food security and critical minerals.
In 2023 Canada accused the Indian government of being involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar a leader who supported a separate Khalistan. Because of this Canada kicked out six Indian diplomats. India then responded by kicking out six Canadian diplomats. This caused a big problem between the two countries stopping important meetings and discussions.
However things seem to be improving. When Mark Carney became Canadas new Prime Minister in April he met with Indias Prime Minister Modi. PM Modi called their meeting excellent and highlighted that both countries believe in democracy freedom and the rule of law. PM Modi also said he looks forward to working with PM Carney to strengthen the friendship between India and Canada.
PM Carney welcomed PM Modi to the G7 meeting saying it was a great honor to have India there. He said Indias involvement shows how important the country and its leadership are globally especially in dealing with issues like energy AI and fighting crime and terrorism across borders.
Canada is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas globally comprising nearly 4.5 per cent of its population. This includes about 1.8 million Canadians of Indian origin nearly 770000 of whom are Sikh and nearly one million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) including students and skilled workers. In 2022 Indian students formed the largest cohort of international students in Canada making up 41 per cent of the total. However recent immigration tightening has affected their opportunities and impacted Canadian universities financial health.
