NEW DELHI, May 26 (Alliance News): India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar confirmed that he held a telephone conversation with his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand, marking the highest-level contact between the two nations since Mark Carney became Prime Minister of Canada in March.
The diplomatic outreach comes amid efforts to mend strained ties following serious accusations made last year. In 2023, Canada had alleged that India was involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh and prominent Khalistan activist. India categorically denied the allegations, and the dispute led both countries to expel senior diplomats.
Jaishankar stated on social media that he “discussed the prospects of India-Canada ties” and conveyed best wishes to Anand for her tenure. Anand, whose parents are of Indian origin, responded by expressing hope to “strengthen Canada-India ties, deepen economic cooperation, and advance shared priorities.”
The Khalistan issue remains at the center of the tension. Canada hosts the world’s largest Sikh diaspora outside India, including vocal supporters of the Khalistan movement, which seeks a separate Sikh homeland. While banned in India and labeled as extremist by Indian authorities, the movement has some support in Western countries, including Canada.
New Delhi continues to urge Canada and other nations to take stricter action against pro-Khalistan groups, citing security threats and historical incidents, including the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182 and the 1984 assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Canada is set to host the G7 summit next month, but it remains unclear whether Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be invited, despite having attended past summits, including the 2019 Biarritz meeting hosted by France.
