OTTAWA — The reinstatement of key diplomats between Canada and India has been described as a "foundational" step in restoring the strained relationship between the two nations, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney, who made the statement during a press conference on June 19, 2025. This move follows a period of heightened diplomatic tensions, particularly after allegations surfaced regarding the involvement of Indian agents in criminal activities on Canadian soil.
Despite the significance of the meeting between Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Carney refrained from disclosing whether the topic of Hardeep Singh Nijjar's murder was raised during their discussion. Nijjar, a Sikh separatist activist, was murdered in 2023, sparking outrage within various Sikh organizations, including Sikhs for Justice, who have demanded greater transparency from the Canadian government regarding India's cooperation in ongoing police investigations into the matter.
At the press conference, Carney emphasized the importance of not providing a "line-by-line transcript" of discussions held with Modi, adding that he did address issues related to transnational repression. He reiterated Canada's stance that such actions would not be tolerated from any party, signaling a firm position against foreign interference in domestic affairs.
In a reciprocal move, India expelled six Canadian diplomats in October, following Canada's decision to expel six top Indian diplomats amidst accusations of India engaging in violent crimes within Canada. In their meeting, Carney and Modi reached an agreement to appoint new high commissioners to facilitate better diplomatic relations. Carney remarked that the absence of a high commissioner in India left Canadians without proper representation, highlighting the need for basic diplomatic engagement as a governmental duty.
Further complicating the diplomatic landscape, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) identified India as a significant player in foreign interference in Canada. This revelation came shortly after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) linked Indian government agents to Nijjar's murder, raising alarms about the safety of Canadian citizens. In December 2023, former New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh received a "duty to warn" from the RCMP due to an imminent threat to his life, following reports that he was monitored by Indian government agents.
Carney acknowledged that achieving a basic level of diplomatic engagement is crucial for maintaining deep connections that exist between Canada and India, particularly among the Indo-Canadian community. He expressed optimism that the agreement to exchange high commissioners marks a positive step forward, reinforcing the necessity for law enforcement cooperation and diplomatic dialogue to address ongoing tensions. The renewed focus on diplomatic relations signals a desire for improved communication and collaboration between the two nations in the face of significant challenges.
