India and Canada have taken key steps to restore relations after last year’s diplomatic crisis over the killing of a Sikh leader. On Monday, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, marking the highest-level visit since the two countries agreed to reinstate ambassadors.
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar called the visit a sign of steady progress in bilateral ties. He said both nations have shared values, open societies, and complementary economies that make long-term cooperation possible. The meeting reflects a shift toward rebuilding trust after months of tension.
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Ties between the countries soured in 2023 when Canada accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh leader. India strongly denied the claims, and the fallout disrupted consular and trade activities. The two countries had exchanged nearly $9 billion in trade that year.
Relations began improving after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney took office in March 2025. He met Modi at the G7 Summit in June, where both leaders agreed to appoint new high commissioners. The move restored formal diplomatic contact, and both diplomats have since started work.
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Anand is also set to meet India’s trade minister and business leaders to boost economic ties. Canada, home to the world’s largest Sikh diaspora, remains under scrutiny due to Khalistan activism. The controversial movement, while small, has long been a source of friction between India and Western nations with large Sikh populations.