In a significant diplomatic thaw, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly-elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a candid and forward-looking meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, aiming to reset strained ties between the two nations.
This marked PM Modi’s latest appearance at the G7, continuing his participation in the summit since 2018. PM Carney, addressing reporters after the summit’s conclusion, acknowledged Modi’s consistent presence as a sign of India’s growing stature. “Prime Minister Modi’s presence reflects the scale and energy of India’s economy, its technological depth, and the leadership role it plays globally — from G20 to multilateral platforms,” Carney stated.
Their bilateral meeting, was the first between the two leaders since Carney took office in March this year following the departure of Justin Trudeau. Describing the discussion as “foundational,” Carney said it was “a necessary first step” in repairing the bilateral relationship. “We had an honest exchange of views — on sovereignty, law enforcement, and ensuring mutual respect,” he added.
In a promising move, both sides are now preparing to reappoint High Commissioners, a critical step after a diplomatic breakdown last year saw both nations recall top envoys. “We recognize that millions of citizens and thousands of businesses rely on robust consular support. The absence of that service has only underscored the urgency of reestablishing formal diplomatic channels,” said Carney.
The backdrop to these tensions was the controversy surrounding the killing of pro-Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in 2024. The previous Canadian administration, led by Justin Trudeau, had accused Indian agents of involvement — a claim that led to tit-for-tat expulsions and a complete freeze in high-level diplomatic engagement. India had strongly refuted the allegations and accused the Trudeau government of turning a blind eye to extremist activity on its soil.
Carney, an economist by profession and a political newcomer, has made mending ties with India a key foreign policy priority since assuming office. “The people-to-people connection between Canada and India is powerful. It deserves a political relationship that matches that depth,” Carney emphasized.
PM Modi, while not publicly commenting after the meeting, is understood to have welcomed Canada’s new willingness to move past recent hostilities and focus on cooperation — particularly in trade, education, and clean technology.
According to diplomatic sources, both countries are now considering a structured roadmap for re-engagement that includes ministerial visits, cultural exchanges, and early trade talks.
