KANANASKIS, Alberta — On June 17, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held their first bilateral meeting since tensions erupted in 2023 over allegations that India was involved in the killing of Canadian Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.Despite nearly two years of strained ties, the meeting at the G7 summit in Alberta was described as positive by both leaders. Carney, who is chairing the summit, warmly received Modi and emphasized India’s significance in global supply chains as justification for the invitation, despite India not being a G7 member.

Statements from both sides highlighted a constructive tone. Carney’s office confirmed that both countries agreed to appoint new ambassadors, following the earlier recall of their envoys during the diplomatic fallout. India has consistently denied Canada’s accusations of involvement in Nijjar’s murder, and both nations are now looking to rebuild their international partnerships amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Carney's office said the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of Canada-India relations, grounded in mutual respect, the rule of law, and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Notably, Carney did not refer directly to the Nijjar case during the meeting. Modi, on his first visit to Canada in ten years, posted on X that the talks were “excellent” and emphasized shared values such as democracy, freedom, and rule of law between the two countries.

India remains a key source of temporary foreign workers and international students for Canada and represents a growing export market. Canadian agriculture groups, including Pulse Canada, hope to increase exports of products like lentils to India. However, Modi’s visit sparked backlash from Canada’s Sikh community, the largest outside Punjab. Protesters in Calgary denounced the visit, with some tearing Indian flags in opposition. Sikh leaders argued Canada should have imposed conditions before hosting Modi. Tensions peaked last year when Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, linking them to Nijjar’s killing and accusing the Indian government of targeting dissidents. Four individuals have since been charged in the case. 

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.