Canada's foreign minister has arrived in the Asian nation during this inaugural diplomatic trip as the two countries take additional steps to revive ties that had plummeted after the killing of a Sikh separatist leader on Canadian soil.
Earlier this week, the Canadian diplomat held discussions with India's premier, who stated that her trip would enhance "initiatives to impart renewed energy to the partnership between India and Canada".
She also convened with India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, following which Delhi and Ottawa announced a series of measures to strengthen their relationship, including initiating high-level talks on bilateral trade and investment.
The visit represents a significant moment in bilateral relations following relations hit an all-time low in 2023.
In considering Canada, we recognize a complementary economy. We see another open society. We notice cultural diversity,
During that September, then prime minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being linked to the murder of community activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, sparking a diplomatic firestorm. India angrily denied the allegations and relations deteriorated significantly when the two nations halted visa processing and recalled senior diplomats.
The North American country hosts approximately 1.7 million individuals with Indian heritage and these events were monitored with concern by both nations.
However signs of a thaw have emerged this year after Canada's new leader assumed office.
During June, the two leaders conducted talks during the G7 summit hosted by Canada. Subsequently, both nations assigned fresh diplomatic representatives between their capitals.
The foreign ministers also met on the sidelines the United Nations General Assembly in New York this past autumn.
On Monday, India's External Affairs Minister commented that India-Canada bilateral relations have shown consistent improvement over recent months.
He further noted that this was "the basis for a strong, lasting and long-term cooperative framework".
"We are collectively committed to advancing this relationship now and in the long term, particularly regarding our mutual priorities in the Indo-Pacific," the Canadian minister stated.
The two countries are restarting the Canada–India CEO Forum, facilitating meetings between business leaders of both nations to enhance bilateral trade and investment. The announcement coincides with India deals with the strain of significant import duties imposed by the American administration against Indian products.
The Canadian minister is also set to meet the Indian trade minister Mr. Goyal to discuss enhancing commercial relations. She will visit Mumbai to address business leaders about investments and commercial prospects.
Subsequently, she will proceed to China and Singapore as part of Canada's regional policy that focuses on expanding the country's engagement in the region.
