Canadian Foreign Minister Meets India Prime Minister Modi Amid Warming Bilateral Relations
The Canadian top diplomat is currently visiting the Asian nation during her first official visit while both nations implement further measures to revive relations that had plummeted following the assassination of an activist from the Sikh community on Canadian soil.
On Monday, Anita Anand met with India's premier, who stated that the visit would enhance "efforts to provide new momentum to the India–Canada bilateral partnership".
Additionally, she met with India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, following which both governments announced multiple steps to bolster bilateral ties, such as initiating ministerial-level discussions on bilateral trade and investment.
The visit represents a milestone in bilateral relations following diplomatic ties reached their lowest point last year.
When we look at Canada, we see a complementary economy. We observe a fellow open society. We see cultural diversity,
During that September, the former PM Canada's leader accused India of being linked with the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, sparking a diplomatic firestorm. India angrily denied these claims and relations hit rock bottom as the two nations halted visa processing and expelled each other's top diplomats.
The North American country hosts approximately 1.7 million people of Indian origin and the developments were being watched anxiously by both nations.
However indicators of improvement have appeared recently after Canada's new leader assumed office.
In June, the two leaders held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines the Group of Seven meeting held in Canada. Subsequently, the countries assigned new high commissioners between their capitals.
Anand and Jaishankar additionally convened on the sidelines the UNGA session at UN headquarters this past autumn.
On Monday, Jaishankar commented that the relationship between the two countries have shown consistent improvement over recent months.
He further noted that this was "the basis for a strong, lasting and long-term cooperative framework".
"Both nations are dedicated to strengthening these ties both presently and going forward, especially regarding shared objectives within the Indo-Pacific region," Anand stated.
Both nations are restarting the bilateral business forum, facilitating meetings between executives from both countries to increase economic cooperation. The announcement coincides with Delhi deals with the strain of a hefty 50% tariff levied by US President Donald Trump on Indian goods.
Anand is also set to meet India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for talks on enhancing commercial relations. Her itinerary includes India's financial capital to speak to industry executives regarding investment opportunities and commercial prospects.
She will then travel to Asian nations as part of Canada's regional policy that focuses on expanding the country's engagement across the Asia-Pacific.