Politics AFRICA, ALBERTA, ALLEGATIONS, ASIA, AUSTRALIA, BRAZIL, CANADA, CANADIAN ROCKIES, CBC, CNN, CUBA, EUROPE, HARD, HUMAN RIGHTS, INDIA, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, MARK CARNEY, MEXICO, MODI, NARENDRA MODI, NEW DELHI, NORTH AMERICA, OCEANIA, OTTAWA, PHILIPPINES, SECURITY, SOUTH AFRICA, SOUTH AMERICA, SOUTH KOREA, UKRAINE, VANCOUVER Nia Simpson June 18, 2025 0 Comments

India and Canada Signal Reset of Relations Following Nijjar Assassination Accusations

India and Canada announce a reset in diplomatic relations, reestablishing high commissions after nearly two years of tensions regarding the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Prime Ministers Modi and Carney discussed collaboration in various areas at the G7 summit, though unresolved issues remain.

In a noteworthy development, India and Canada are signaling a restoration of diplomatic relations. This comes nearly two years after a tumultuous period that followed accusations from Ottawa charging New Delhi with involvement in the assassination of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil. On Tuesday, during the Group of 7 summit in the Canadian Rockies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to reestablish high commissions in each other’s capitals.

In their statement, Prime Minister Carney’s office confirmed, “We are designating new high commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries.” This step appears to be a measured response to the fallout from the alleged murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh separatist and Canadian citizen who was shot in 2023 in a Vancouver suburb.

Trudeau previously accused India of complicity in Nijjar’s killing, a claim that stirred tension between the nations. While Canadian authorities maintain they have presented evidence to support their allegations, Indian officials have adamantly denied any wrongdoing, calling the accusations “absurd and motivated.” This diplomatic spat led to retaliatory expulsions of diplomats and a suspension of visa services, fueling further accusations from India that Canada was sheltering “terrorists” and facilitating anti-India activities, claims that Canada adamantly disputes.

Despite the backdrop of tension, Carney graciously extended an invitation to Modi for the G7 summit. Notably, Carney stated that it was significant to engage the leader of the world’s most populous nation in discussions about pressing global challenges. Other non-member nations, like Brazil and South Korea, were also invited to participate in this year’s summit.

During their meeting, the atmosphere was surprisingly cordial. Modi and Carney exchanged pleasantries, with Carney expressing it was a “great honor” to host the Indian Prime Minister. Carney emphasized, “India has been coming to the G7 since 2018, and it’s a testament to the importance of your country and leadership.” Modi echoed this sentiment on social media, highlighting the shared values between India and Canada.

They also discussed collaborative efforts in various fields such as technology, food security, and the transition to digital economies, but no direct references were made to the ongoing complexities surrounding Nijjar’s assassination. In fact, Nijjar had been a fervent advocate for an independent Sikh homeland, a movement that India regards as a severe national security threat.

Reports indicated that throughout the summit, there were visible protests in Calgary by Sikh activists who displayed Khalistan flags, pushing for justice in Nijjar’s case and expressing their discontent over Modi’s visit. When pressed regarding Nijjar’s murder at a press conference, Carney mentioned, “There is a judicial process that’s underway,” signaling his caution in further comments.

It’s quite clear that while there is hope for renewed relations, critical issues linger beneath the surface, leaving many questions unanswered amid the backdrop of this significant diplomatic gathering.

In summary, the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney marks a tentative thaw in relations that have been strained for nearly two years. While discussions ranged over various collaborative opportunities, the unresolved sensitivities surrounding the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar continue to overshadow these diplomatic efforts. This complex landscape suggests both nations are taking steps towards reconciling their differences, albeit with lingering tensions that remain to be addressed.

Original Source: www.cnn.com