Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo: Reuters

India and Canada have decided to appoint new high commissioners in each other’s countries, taking a big step toward normalizing their diplomatic relationship. The decision came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met during the G7 Leaders' Summit on Tuesday.

During their meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to bring back regular services for citizens and businesses in both countries. They agreed on the importance of mutual respect, the rule of law, and respecting each country’s sovereignty and borders.

Both leaders also talked about the deep and historic connection between the people of India and Canada. They focused on strengthening their partnership in the Indo-Pacific region and discussed ways to boost cooperation in trade, economic growth, supply chains, and clean energy.

Other topics included in their discussion were global security, fighting cross-border crime, and promoting peace and fairness in international relations. They also explored areas like technology, digital change, food security, and access to important minerals.

This development comes after a tough period in the relationship between the two countries. In October last year, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its own high commissioner, Sanjay Verma, after Canada made serious allegations linking Indian officials to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Najjar, a Canadian citizen, was declared a Khalistani terrorist by India. He was killed in Canada in June 2023. Following his death, Canadian authorities named Verma and other diplomats as "persons of interest" in their investigation. In response, India strongly rejected the charges and pulled back its officials.

Verma, speaking later, criticized the Canadian approach, saying it was not how diplomatic matters should be handled. He said there were proper tools for diplomacy that could have been used instead of directly targeting senior Indian diplomats.

Now, with both nations agreeing to assign new representatives, hopes are rising for improved ties and better cooperation between the two countries in the near future.