.jpeg)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in Calgary for the G7 Summit may be remembered as more than just another high-profile visit—it could mark a diplomatic turning point for India-Canada relations. After years of stagnation and mistrust, largely fueled by the Khalistani separatist issue and diplomatic fallout from the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, there is now real potential for a fresh start.
Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s invitation to Modi was not just diplomatic courtesy—it was a strategic move. With Canada facing growing economic uncertainty, particularly amid the recent escalation of U.S. trade tariffs, a reset in relations with India—one of the world's fastest-growing economies—could not come at a more opportune moment.
A Fresh Approach from Ottawa
Mark Carney's outreach to Prime Minister Modi at the G7 is more than symbolic. It signals a shift in Ottawa’s approach to India after years of drift and tension under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The resumption of diplomatic dialogue and talks of restoring high commissioners indicate a pragmatic understanding: alienating India is no longer sustainable.
The bilateral freeze was largely driven by India’s frustration over Canada's perceived inaction toward extremist elements within its borders, particularly the Khalistani movement. While Canada prides itself on free speech and multiculturalism, the challenge lies in preventing extremist ideologies from exploiting these freedoms to sow discord both at home and abroad.
The Khalistan Dilemma: A Shared Responsibility
Canada’s Sikh community, numbering over 770,000, is an essential part of its social and economic fabric. However, a small, radicalized segment has drawn criticism from India for advocating violent separatism under the Khalistani banner. This issue is not merely an “Indian concern.” It threatens the integrity of Canada’s own multicultural vision.
By addressing extremism with a fair but firm hand, Canada not only improves relations with India but also reinforces its domestic values of unity and inclusivity. It’s a critical step toward restoring trust with a major democratic partner.
Canada Needs Economic Diversification—India Is the Answer
As trade tensions with the United States deepen—with the Biden administration recently reintroducing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum—Canada finds itself in urgent need of diversifying its economic partnerships.
Here’s why closer ties with India make sense now:
A Vision for Strategic Partnership
At the G7 Summit, the Modi-Carney meeting is expected to focus on restoring diplomatic channels, enhancing law enforcement cooperation, and revisiting the stalled Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). If revived, CEPA could eliminate barriers, streamline trade, and give Canadian industries access to one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
This moment is not just about diplomacy—it’s about vision. Canada and India are both pluralistic, federal democracies with strong rule-of-law traditions and innovation-driven economies. A renewed partnership could reinforce democratic norms on the world stage, promote economic resilience, and create a model for cooperation that transcends the populist headwinds of our times.
Conclusion: The Stakes Are High, and the Timing Is Right
Prime Minister Modi’s G7 visit should not be viewed as a photo opportunity—it’s a chance to reset a relationship that has too long been defined by distrust. With new leadership in Ottawa and a shifting global order, both countries have the incentive—and the responsibility—to move forward.
As PM Modi said before departing for the summit:
“As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigor, guided by mutual respect and shared interests.”
For Canada, facing external economic pressures and internal social challenges, strengthening ties with India isn’t just smart diplomacy—it’s strategic necessity.
