India, Canada to restore High Commissioners for the 1st time since 2023 after Modi-Carney hit diplomatic reset at G7
India and Canada have agreed to restore full diplomatic ties and appoint new high commissioners, marking a significant thaw in strained relations following months of tension in the sideline of G7 Leaders’ Summit. A statement issued by the office of the Canadian Prime Minister said that Carney and Modi 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.
“The leaders agreed to designate new high commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries,” the statement said.
The two leaders also discussed strong and historic ties between the peoples, partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, and significant commercial links between Canada and India – including partnerships in economic growth, supply chains, and energy transformation.
Carney “raised priorities on the G7 agenda, including transnational crime and repression, security, and the rules-based order,” the statement said adding that the leaders also discussed opportunities to deepen engagement in areas such as technology, the digital transition, food security, and critical minerals.
In 2023, Canada accused the Indian government of being involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a leader who supported a separate Khalistan. Because of this, Canada kicked out six Indian diplomats. India then responded by kicking out six Canadian diplomats. This caused a big problem between the two countries, stopping important meetings and discussions.
However, things seem to be improving. When Mark Carney became Canada’s new Prime Minister in April, he met with India’s Prime Minister Modi. PM Modi called their meeting “excellent” and highlighted that both countries believe in democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. PM Modi also said he looks forward to working with PM Carney to strengthen the friendship between India and Canada.
PM Carney welcomed PM Modi to the G7 meeting, saying it was a “great honor” to have India there. He said India’s involvement shows how important the country and its leadership are globally, especially in dealing with issues like energy, AI, and fighting crime and terrorism across borders.
India-Canada relations ‘extremely important’: PM Modi
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, recently met with Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, at the G7 Summit. This was their first meeting since Carney became Prime Minister in May 2025. Modi congratulated Carney on his election win. He stressed that the relationship between India and Canada is very important, and he believes they can work together positively to improve it. PM Modi said, “India-Canada relations are extremely important.”
He added, “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 and in the coming period, India and Canada will progress together in many areas with him.”
Modi pointed out that both Canadian and Indian companies have invested a lot in each other’s countries. He also highlighted that both nations share democratic values. Modi believes that by working together and using their combined strengths, they can benefit all of humanity.
Canada home to one of the largest Indian diasporas globally
Canada is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas globally, comprising nearly 4.5 per cent of its population. This includes about 1.8 million Canadians of Indian origin, nearly 770,000 of whom are Sikh and nearly one million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), including students and skilled workers. In 2022, Indian students formed the largest cohort of international students in Canada, making up 41 per cent of the total. However, recent immigration tightening has affected their opportunities and impacted Canadian universities’ financial health.
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