New Delhi : In a step toward mending strained bilateral ties, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a phone conversation on Sunday with Canada’s new Foreign Minister Anita Anand, the first high-level political engagement between the two nations since Mark Carney became the Canadian Prime Minister. It comes amid cautious optimism in New Delhi over a potential reset in ties following the exit of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, under whose leadership relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply.
Discussed the prospects of India-Canada ties. Wished her a very successful tenure,” Jaishankar posted on X after the call. Anand, who was sworn in earlier this month, described the conversation as “productive”. Anand, 58, of Indian origin, has previously served as Canada’s Defence Minister and is a senior member of the Liberal Party. She took her oath of office with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, a gesture she has repeated in earlier Cabinet appointments.
Bilateral ties took a downturn in September 2023 when Trudeau accused Indian agents of being “potentially” involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India rejected the claim as “absurd and motivated” while maintaining that Canada is a safe haven for pro-Khalistan elements.
The diplomatic rift deepened further when Ottawa linked several Indian diplomats, including then-High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, to Nijjar’s murder. India subsequently withdrew Verma and five other diplomats in October, while also expelling an equal number of Canadian diplomats from New Delhi.
Following Trudeau’s departure, India expressed its intent to rebuild relations with Canada based on “mutual trust and sensitivity.” Sunday’s conversation between Jaishankar and Anand is being seen as a key first step in that direction.