Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. During their talks, both leaders agreed to designate new High Commissioners in a move aimed at restoring regular consular and diplomatic services for citizens and businesses in both countries. This marks a possible thaw in India-Canada relations after nearly a year of strained diplomatic ties.

According to a Canadian government readout, the two leaders “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.”

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Modi Congratulates Carney, Highlights Democratic Bonds

Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Carney for inviting India to the G7 Summit, calling it an honour to return to Canada after nearly a decade. “I am very grateful to you for inviting India to G7 and I am also fortunate that I have got this opportunity to visit Canada once again after 2015 and connect with the people of Canada,” he said.

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Modi also congratulated Carney on his recent electoral win, calling it the beginning of a renewed chapter in bilateral cooperation. “This is the first time I have got the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister after his election, so I congratulate him for his grand victory in this election. In the coming period, India and Canada will progress together in many areas with him,” he said.

Diplomatic Fallout Over Nijjar Case

The meeting comes amid ongoing Indo-Canada tensions following former Canadian prime inister Justin Trudeau’s explosive allegations implicating India in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist, in British Columbia. India has denied the accusations, calling them “absurd and politically motivated.”

The fallout deepened when Canada reportedly identified Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in an ongoing investigation, claims that New Delhi dismissed as “preposterous.” India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned Canada for allowing extremist elements to threaten Indian diplomats and for its leniency in fast-tracking citizenship for individuals with alleged ties to unlawful activities.

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Despite the tensions, both leaders signalled a willingness to mend ties. Carney lauded India’s leadership on global issues, highlighting opportunities for collaboration on clean energy, artificial intelligence, energy security, and counter-terrorism.

PM Modi emphasised the strong foundation India laid during its G20 presidency and said it could help guide the G7 agenda as well. “Today, there is a great opportunity to take the strong foundation that India has laid in the G20 in a new form towards its execution in the G7,” he said.