India is exploring avenues to reset its strained ties with Canada, with a key diplomatic engagement expected next week on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
Responding to media queries during the Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) weekly briefing, Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Indian and Canadian leaders are set to hold discussions during the summit.
India-Canada Reset?
“The forthcoming meeting between the two leaders will offer an important opportunity to exchange views on bilateral and global issues, and to explore pathways to reset the relationship based on mutual respect, shared interests, and sensitivity to each other’s concerns,” Jaiswal said.
The initiative comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a call from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney last week. During the conversation, Carney invited Modi to attend the G7 Summit, which Modi accepted. The two leaders also reflected on the current state of India-Canada relations and discussed ways to move forward.
Jaiswal underscored that both countries are vibrant democracies with shared values. “India and Canada are bound by democratic principles, a commitment to the rule of law and strong people-to-people ties,” he said.
The Spokesperson noted that while the two sides have had differences, India has clearly articulated its concerns, particularly on issues related to national security. “Our views on some of these issues have already been shared publicly in considerable detail,” he said.
Law enforcement agencies from both countries have maintained engagement through established mechanisms to address mutual security concerns, and this dialogue is expected to continue.
Beyond security matters, India and Canada share extensive cooperation in trade, technology and education.
Jaiswal pointed to the economic and technological collaboration between the two countries and reiterated India’s expectation that its concerns are taken seriously by its international partners.
“The reset in ties will depend on mutual understanding and a willingness to address each other’s core concerns,” he said.
The Modi-Carney meeting on the sidelines of the G7 could mark the beginning of a new diplomatic chapter in the India-Canada relationship, following a period of tension and public disagreements between the two nations.
