Jaishankar, Anand discuss trade and trust in the first major India-Canada engagement under the new PM Carney
In a significant diplomatic overture, India and Canada have taken a cautious first step towards repairing their deeply strained ties. On Sunday, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with Canada’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Anita Anand—the first high-level contact between the two countries since the departure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The conversation focused on strengthening economic cooperation and advancing shared priorities, marking a notable shift in tone after nearly two years of icy relations. “Discussed the prospects of India-Canada ties. Wished her a very successful tenure,” Jaishankar wrote on X (formerly Twitter), signalling a tone of cautious optimism.
Anand, who took office earlier this month under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s leadership, described the exchange as “productive” and expressed hope for deeper collaboration. “Thank you Minister @DrSJaishankar for the productive discussion today on strengthening Canada–India ties, deepening our economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities,” she posted.
Anand, 58, is of Indian origin and previously served as Canada’s Defence Minister. A senior figure in the Liberal Party, she took her oath of office with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, continuing a personal tradition observed during past Cabinet roles.
Relations between India and Canada had hit rock bottom in September 2023, when Trudeau publicly alleged that Indian agents may have been involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a known Khalistani separatist, in British Columbia. India dismissed the claims as “absurd and motivated,” criticising Canada for sheltering extremist elements.
Tensions rapidly escalated. Ottawa linked multiple Indian diplomats—including then-High Commissioner Sanjay Verma—to Nijjar’s killing. India responded by withdrawing Verma and five others while expelling an equal number of Canadian diplomats from New Delhi.
The diplomatic freeze lasted through late 2023, with both nations avoiding public engagement. However, informal contact resumed earlier this year between their respective security agencies. Sources now suggest that talks are underway to appoint new high commissioners in both capitals.
Jaishankar and Anand’s phone call is being widely viewed as a tentative but important step in rebuilding trust. A statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs underlined the importance of “mutual sensitivity and respect” in restoring the relationship, while Canadian officials reiterated their focus on advancing trade and cooperation in areas like climate change and technology.
New Delhi’s optimism stems from the change in leadership in Ottawa. Trudeau’s exit removed a major stumbling block in bilateral ties, as Indian officials privately accused his administration of enabling pro-Khalistan narratives for domestic political gain.
Under Carney, a former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, there appears to be a recalibration of foreign policy priorities—something Indian diplomats hope will lead to a more pragmatic approach on bilateral issues.
Still, underlying tensions remain. India has long objected to Canadian tolerance for Khalistani activism on its soil, while Canada remains firm in defending what it calls freedom of expression. Both sides now face the task of navigating these fundamental differences without reigniting old hostilities.
For now, the call between Jaishankar and Anand sets the tone for cautious re-engagement. Both governments are expected to accelerate discussions on trade, immigration, and climate initiatives in the coming weeks.
Whether this marks the beginning of a full reset or simply a cooling of tensions remains to be seen. But after nearly two years of acrimony, even a phone call between foreign ministers feels like a diplomatic breakthrough.
