In a significant development, India and Canada have decided to reset their strained diplomatic relationship and have agreed to appoint new High Commissioners in each other’s countries. This decision marks a pivotal step towards normalizing bilateral ties that had been deeply affected over the past year.
Background:
In October 2023, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and withdrew its High Commissioner Sanjay Verma from Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan leader, on Canadian soil. India strongly rejected these allegations and accused Canada of harboring separatists and interfering in its internal affairs.
The diplomatic fallout led to freezing of bilateral talks, suspension of trade negotiations, and a dramatic scaling down of diplomatic presence on both sides.
Recent Breakthrough:
According to diplomatic sources, both New Delhi and Ottawa have now agreed to restart high-level engagement. As part of this process, the two sides will appoint new High Commissioners, signaling a formal resumption of diplomatic dialogue.
This decision follows backchannel discussions and a recognition on both sides that sustained hostility serves neither nation’s interests—especially in areas like trade, immigration, education, and technology partnerships.
Expert View:
Mr. Mohan Shukla, Chairman of the Board of Governors at News365 Times, commented on the development:
“The reset and resumption of diplomatic ties is a welcome development for both nations—India and Canada. Dialogue and diplomacy must prevail over distrust. This decision reflects maturity and mutual understanding, which are essential for maintaining a robust, forward-looking partnership.”
Significance of the Reset:
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Trade Relations: Canada is among India’s top 20 trade partners, and both countries were previously negotiating an Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA).
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Student and Diaspora Links: Over 300,000 Indian students study in Canada. There’s also a large and influential Indian diaspora community.
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Strategic Collaboration: Both nations share democratic values and are members of key international forums like G20 and the Commonwealth.
The move to reappoint High Commissioners is a major diplomatic signal that India and Canada are willing to look beyond recent tensions and rebuild trust. While challenges remain, this reset opens the door for constructive dialogue and deeper cooperation in multiple areas.
As both nations navigate a complex global landscape, diplomacy and mutual respect remain crucial tools for progress.
