A Diplomatic Reboot: Modi–Carney Meeting and the Return of India’s High Commissioner to Canada -

June 17–18, 2025 — Kananaskis, Alberta On the side-lines of the G7 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney conducted their first full bilateral talks since late 2023, when Canada accused India of orchestrating the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Their productive exchange resulted in a landmark agreement: both nations will reappoint High Commissioners effectively restoring full-scale diplomatic relations after a nearly two-year freeze.

Diplomatic Crisis: From Strain to Stalemate

Tensions began in September 2023, following Nijjar’s assassination in British Columbia. Then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian state agents of involvement a charge India strongly denied. Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, in October 2024, to which India responded by withdrawing Verma and expelling Canadian officials. Visa services were frozen, consulates closed, trade negotiations stalled, and travel advisories issued.

By December 2024, discreet back-channel talks resumed among diplomats and security services. Ottawa eyed India for future trade diversification, and Delhi circulated senior IFS officers like Dinesh K. Patnaik as possible High Commissioner candidates.

The Turning Point at Kananaskis

The June 17 meeting brought:

Reappointment of High Commissioners
Modi and Carney agreed they would appoint new senior envoys to each country an essential step toward resuming visa issuance, consular support, and government-to-government dialogue.
Resumption of Diplomatic Services
Full consular operations including visa issuance, passport renewals, emergency legal assistance, student and worker services will be reactivated, significantly benefiting India–Canada people flows, especially the 1.3–1.4 million-strong diaspora in Canada.
Economic and Security Cooperation Reboot
Leaders pledged to reinitiate negotiations on the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) and pursue broader economic ambitions in tech, digital transformation, food security, and critical minerals. They also affirmed a renewed commitment to democracy, rule of law, sovereignty, and judicial processes, especially as Canada continues court proceedings in the Nijjar murder case.
Enhanced Intelligence Sharing
Reports suggest both countries are resuming terrorism and crime intelligence-sharing protocols vital for addressing transnational threats and security concerns.

Why the High Commissioner Role Matters Again

Diplomatic Backbone: High Commissioners facilitate high-level engagement, policy coordination, crisis response, and structured dialogue roles that were dormant amid the diplomatic rupture.
Consular Reach: With universities, professional mobility, and tourism intertwined between Canada and India, restored consular services remove daily friction for millions.
Trade and Supply Chains: Canada’s agricultural exports (notably lentils and pulses) rely on Indian markets, while India’s digital and service sectors benefit from access to Canadian academia and business ecosystems.
Diaspora Diplomacy: Canada hosts the largest Sikh diaspora outside Punjab. The High Commissioner serves as a key interlocutor for community concerns and a guarantor of their rights and security.

Envoy Candidates: The People Behind the Role

India’s Nominee – Dinesh K. Patnaik
A 1990 IFS officer and India’s Ambassador to Spain, Patnaik’s long diplomatic resume includes postings in the UK (diaspora affairs), Cambodia, and Morocco, as well as leadership roles at ICCR and in High Commission divisions.
Canada’s Nominee – Christopher Cooter
Canada has proposed Christopher Cooter, previously stationed in South Africa. His nomination to New Delhi is awaiting formalizing later this year .

What Happens Next?

Envoy Appointments: Both countries aim to finalize High Commissioner postings by late 2025, enabling banks of diplomatic, consular, and political services to restart.
Judicial Developments: Canada is hearing court proceedings against four accused in the Nijjar case. India is reportedly monitoring developments and may cooperate further.
Team-Up on Trade Talks: Officials will reconvene on EPTA and CEPA negotiations with a view toward enhanced bilateral trade and mutual economic benefit.
Public Diplomacy & Protest Management: Carney’s invitation of Modi provoked protests among Sikh groups in Canada, underscoring the role diaspora voices will continue to play in this reset.

In Summary

The June 17–18, 2025, summit meeting between Modi and Carney marks a watershed in India–Canada ties. Their agreement to restore High Commissioners is more than symbolic it reactivates full diplomatic and consular machinery, paving the way for resumed trade talks, academic exchanges, diaspora engagement, and strategic cooperation.

Though unresolved challenges remain especially the Nijjar legal process and diaspora sensitivities both nations have opted for a pragmatic, forward-looking partnership anchored in rule-based norms and mutual interests. As appointment protocols proceed and legal and strategic dialogues unfold, the stage is set for a reinvigorated India–Canada partnership in a complex and multipolar world.

Sources:

More Current Affairs: https://learnproacademy.in/updates/