Canada, India agree to re-establish high commissioners after G7 meeting
Canada and India to Reinstate High Commissioners and Renew Visa Services
In a sign that Canada-India relations are defrosting, the two countries have agreed to reinstate their high commissioners and are eyeing renewed visa services to each other’s citizens and businesses.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the move following his bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 summit in Alberta.
The two countries expelled each other’s high commissioners, senior diplomats who are similar to ambassadors, last fall after the RCMP accused the Indian government of playing a role in a network of violence in Canada, including homicides and extortion.
Then prime minister Justin Trudeau, backed by security officials, alleged Indian diplomats were collecting information about Canadians and passing it on to organized crime members to attack Canadians.
Trudeau also said two years ago that Canada had evidence linking Indian agents to the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in B.C.
According to the prime minister’s readout, Carney raised priorities on the G7 agenda, “including transnational crime and repression, security and the rules-based order” with Modi.
The two leaders also discussed “significant commercial links,” including supply chains and energy, said the statement.
Canada and India have taken a significant step towards improving their diplomatic relations by agreeing to reinstate their high commissioners. This decision comes after a period of strained relations, which led to the expulsion of senior diplomats from both countries last fall. The move to reinstate the high commissioners signals a thawing of tensions and a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between Canada and India.
Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement following a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 summit in Alberta. The discussions between the two leaders focused on a range of issues, including transnational crime, security, and the rules-based order. The leaders also highlighted the importance of enhancing commercial links, particularly in areas such as supply chains and energy.
The expulsion of high commissioners last fall was a result of allegations made by the RCMP against the Indian government, accusing them of involvement in a network of violence in Canada, which included homicides and extortion. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, supported by security officials, claimed that Indian diplomats were gathering information about Canadians and sharing it with organized crime groups for attacks. Trudeau also mentioned evidence linking Indian agents to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
With the decision to reinstate high commissioners and explore renewed visa services for citizens and businesses, Canada and India are taking a positive step towards rebuilding their relationship. The move is expected to facilitate greater cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in various areas of mutual interest.
