India and Canada have agreed to work together to open a fresh chapter in their relationship, placing particular emphasis on tackling terrorism and transnational crime, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday.
The understanding followed wide-ranging discussions in New Delhi on Thursday between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin. The talks, according to the MEA, centred on mending bilateral ties that had been severely damaged by the fallout from the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.
The ministry said both sides resolved to adopt a collaborative approach to the future of the relationship. “There is now clear momentum for rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation at the highest levels of political leadership,” the statement read.
Building on Modi–Carney meeting
The dialogue came soon after PM Modi met Canadian PM Mark Carney at the G7 summit in Kananaskis in June. That meeting was described as an important step towards stabilising ties and was followed up in this week’s security talks.
During the discussions, the two NSAs explored a number of areas of cooperation, including counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and measures against organised crime. They also reviewed regional and global issues of common concern.
Resetting relations after years of strain
Diplomatic relations had reached their lowest point last October when India withdrew its high commissioner and five diplomats after Canada under then-prime minister Justin Trudeau suggested possible Indian involvement in Nijjar’s death. Ottawa expelled a similar number of Indian diplomats in response.
However, Carney’s election victory in April has since provided a political opening to reset the relationship. Both countries appointed new envoys to their respective capitals earlier this month, setting the stage for this renewed engagement.
(With PTI inputs)
The understanding followed wide-ranging discussions in New Delhi on Thursday between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin. The talks, according to the MEA, centred on mending bilateral ties that had been severely damaged by the fallout from the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.
The ministry said both sides resolved to adopt a collaborative approach to the future of the relationship. “There is now clear momentum for rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation at the highest levels of political leadership,” the statement read.
Building on Modi–Carney meeting
The dialogue came soon after PM Modi met Canadian PM Mark Carney at the G7 summit in Kananaskis in June. That meeting was described as an important step towards stabilising ties and was followed up in this week’s security talks.
During the discussions, the two NSAs explored a number of areas of cooperation, including counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and measures against organised crime. They also reviewed regional and global issues of common concern.
Resetting relations after years of strain
Diplomatic relations had reached their lowest point last October when India withdrew its high commissioner and five diplomats after Canada under then-prime minister Justin Trudeau suggested possible Indian involvement in Nijjar’s death. Ottawa expelled a similar number of Indian diplomats in response.
However, Carney’s election victory in April has since provided a political opening to reset the relationship. Both countries appointed new envoys to their respective capitals earlier this month, setting the stage for this renewed engagement.
(With PTI inputs)
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