India and Canada Strengthen Ties Through First Ministerial Call

In a significant step towards improving bilateral relations, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand engaged in their first phone conversation. They discussed enhancing economic ties and shared priorities, following a recent cabinet reshuffle in Canada. The dialogue comes amid tensions stemming from allegations regarding the involvement of Indian agents in a high-profile murder case in Canada. Both nations are now exploring the possibility of appointing new high commissioners, signaling a potential thaw in relations. This article delves into the key points of their discussion and the implications for future cooperation.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 26, 2025, 09:38 IST

First Ministerial Conversation Between India and Canada

On Sunday, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand held their inaugural phone conversation. The discussion focused on enhancing bilateral economic relations and advancing shared priorities.

Anita Anand recently assumed her role as Canada's Foreign Minister in Prime Minister Mark Carney's new cabinet, following a significant victory for the Liberal Party in last month's parliamentary elections. Carney's electoral success is viewed as an opportunity to improve relations between India and Canada, which had deteriorated during Justin Trudeau's tenure as Prime Minister.

After the call, Jaishankar took to social media platform 'X' to express, 'We discussed the potential of India-Canada relations. Wishing them a successful tenure.' Anand remarked that she had a 'meaningful discussion' with Jaishankar.

In her post on 'X', she expressed gratitude to Minister Dr. Jaishankar for the productive conversation aimed at strengthening Canada-India relations, enhancing economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities. She looks forward to collaborating closely.

Tensions between the two nations escalated after Trudeau alleged in September 2023 that Indian agents might be involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India dismissed these accusations as 'absurd'.

Relations soured further in the latter half of last year when Canada linked several Indian diplomats, including then High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, to Nijjar's murder. In October, India recalled Verma and five other diplomats, while also expelling an equal number of Canadian diplomats from Delhi.

In recent months, security officials from both countries have initiated contact again, and both sides are considering the appointment of new high commissioners. Trudeau's resignation is seen as a potential opportunity to mend bilateral relations.

India has accused the Trudeau government of allowing pro-Khalistani elements to operate from Canadian soil. Following Trudeau's departure from power, India expressed hope to re-establish relations with Canada based on 'mutual trust and sensitivity.'