 "With new appointments, are India‑Canada ties finally turning the page under Carney?")
Canada has announced a slew of diplomatic postings to India including one of Jeff David who will assume the role of Consul General in Mumbai.
David is set to replace Diedrah Kelly, who left India in 2023 and was stationed in Manila since December that year.
This instalment is particularly significant because it breaks the de facto diplomatic freeze that began in October 2023, when Canada withdrew 41 diplomats at India’s insistence on parity in consular staffing.
David’s arrival to Mumbai marks Canada’s first official personnel placement in India since ties between the two nations deteriorated. The move signals a tangible diplomatic reset under Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
How India-Canada ties froze
The relationship between the two nations deteriorated sharply after then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian diplomatic officials of supporting acts of violence and intimidation against Sikh separatists living in Canada.
That assertion was centred on the alleged involvement of Indian agents in the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen designated a terrorist by India.
The allegation, delivered in September 2023, sparked India’s strong retaliation. The Indian government labelled the accusation “absurd and motivated,” rejected any responsibility, and responded by expelling a significant number of Canadian diplomatic staff.
After the initial diplomatic withdrawals by Canada, a second wave of expulsions followed in October 2024. This involved both countries removing six diplomats each, including their respective high commissioners.
Canadian authorities alleged a “targeted campaign against Canadian citizens” involving Indian operatives, which only increased the bilateral rupture. Visa services from India to Canada were suspended, and diplomatic relations hit unprecedented lows.
Through that period, the consular network in India remained largely inactive. Kelly’s departure from Mumbai and the broader withdrawal of diplomats reflected a diplomatic standoff lasting nearly two years.
How the India-Canada dynamic shifted under new PM Carney
There seems to have been a thaw in relations starting March this year when Mark Carney assumed office as Canada’s prime minister.
Carney’s foreign policy contrasts sharply with Trudeau’s approach; it highlights economic engagement, strategic autonomy and diversification away from reliance on the US.
The invitation extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the G7 summit in Alberta in mid‑June was a significant gesture.
Carney described it as his “great honour” to host Modi. During their meeting, both leaders discussed common areas of interest including energy transition, artificial intelligence and the fight against terrorism and transnational repression.
Modi, in turn, stated the importance of “win‑win cooperation” across various sectors. Their dialogue facilitated a clear shift in diplomatic tone — moving from confrontation to a shared focus on mutual priorities.
Following that summit, leaders agreed to restore high commissioners to their respective capitals.
Sources also confirmed to The Wire that Canada had already exchanged names with India in preparation for new high commissioner-designates. India nominated Dinesh Patnaik, currently serving as its envoy in Spain, for the position in Ottawa.
While the high commissioner exchange remains pending, India and Canada have formally submitted names for their designated officials. Ottawa has reviewed India’s nominee, and officials in New Delhi have received Canada’s selection.
The process of securing ‘agrément’ (formal consent for diplomatic appointments) typically spans several months. However, sources indicated to The Wire that this timeline is currently being expedited, with announcements anticipated by mid‑August.
The appointment of David is the first verifiable outcome of renewed diplomatic coordination, but exciting developments are also in motion at the ambassadorial level.
Why an India-Canada reset is crucial
Restoring full diplomatic staffing and speeding up visa processes are expected to deliver swift returns in key areas. The impact on both countries’ relationship could be substantial in facilitating education, tourism and economics.
India has grown to supply over one-third of international student enrolments in Canada as of 2024. Canada similarly ranks among the top five countries for foreign visitors to India, supported by steady tourism flows.
Resuming normal operations in visa processing should stimulate both student mobility and leisure travel.
On the trade front, bilateral commerce stood at $12.4 billion last year. While this number remains modest compared to India’s trade with the US (nearly $130 billion) or the Canada‑US trade volume (over $700 billion), it carries strategic significance as both nations look to weather increasing US trade tariffs.
India primarily exports pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, textiles, and machinery to Canada.
In parallel, Canada supplies potash, timber, paper, and mining extractives to India.
Notably, Canadian pension and sovereign wealth funds have injected approximately USD 55 billion into Indian sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy and financial services.
Where concerns remain between India-Canada
Despite the warming diplomatic climate, India’s concerns around Sikh separatist activity in Canada persist. New Delhi remains frustrated over unresolved extradition and provisional arrest requests for individuals accused of promoting a Khalistan agenda.
Officials report that more than two dozen requests have been pending over the past decade, in addition to multiple provisional arrest requests tied to terror-related charges.
The Indian government continues to urge Canada to take firmer action against separatist activists. While those groups have lost much of their momentum since the violence of the 1980s and early 1990s, India remains vigilant, especially given several historical flashpoints — including the Golden Temple assault in 1984, the assassination of Indira Gandhi, and hijackings and bombings by Sikh terrorists.
At the same time, Canada is home to one of the largest Sikh populations outside India.
Also Watch:
With inputs from agencies
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
