The diplomatic relationship between Canada and India faced a major rupture in September 2023 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and pro-Khalistan activist. The allegation, made publicly in the Canadian Parliament, shocked international observers and marked an unprecedented low in the history of Canada-India relations. India strongly denied the claims, calling them “absurd and politically motivated,” and responded by suspending visa services for Canadians, expelling diplomats, and halting trade negotiations.
In the months that followed, bilateral ties remained deeply strained. Trade talks under the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) were frozen, diplomatic missions reduced staff, and Canada faced criticism for allegedly allowing anti-India elements to operate with impunity on its soil. On the other side, India viewed Trudeau’s remarks as an appeasement tactic aimed at securing domestic political support among the Sikh diaspora. Trust eroded rapidly, and even traditional areas of cooperation like education and tourism suffered setbacks.
Amid this diplomatic chill, the G7 Summit held in June 2024 in Italy offered a glimmer of hope for engagement. While no formal bilateral meeting took place between Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Modi, the presence of both leaders at the same global forum allowed for informal interactions and potential backchannel diplomacy. High-level officials from both countries reportedly exchanged views during the sidelines of the summit, signaling a willingness—albeit cautious—to break the ice.
Global multilateral platforms such as the G7 are often used to test the waters for re-engagement in a low-risk environment. Both Canada and India understand the importance of cooperation on larger issues such as climate change, digital governance, energy security, and preserving rules-based international order. Their participation in shared forums like G20, Commonwealth, and Indo-Pacific partnerships further underscores the need to compartmentalize bilateral tensions while continuing multilateral collaboration.
There are also compelling reasons for both sides to consider a reset. Canada hosts one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, contributing significantly to its economy, education, and culture. Conversely, India is one of the fastest-growing economies globally and a crucial partner in global South cooperation. Rebuilding the relationship would serve the strategic and economic interests of both nations. Business communities, academic institutions, and civil society on both sides have also called for diplomacy to prevail over confrontation.
That said, reconciliation will not come easy. Canada must take India’s concerns seriously regarding the presence of pro-Khalistan groups and anti-India propaganda that threatens its sovereignty and unity. Meanwhile, India must balance its strong nationalist stance with the need to maintain its image as a responsible global actor committed to democratic values and rule of law. Only through dialogue, mutual respect, and careful diplomacy can the road to normalization be built.
In conclusion, while the G7 summit did not immediately heal the diplomatic wounds, it may have served as a quiet stepping stone toward restoring communication. The coming months will be crucial. What’s required is not just a political handshake, but a sincere effort by both nations to look beyond recent tensions and invest in rebuilding a relationship that has strategic, economic, and cultural importance on the global stage