Relations between Canada and India have been strained over the past year, primarily due to accusations that India was involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Khalistani separatist, in British Columbia. Canada made these allegations public in September 2023, which led to both countries expelling diplomats and putting trade talks on hold. Despite these tensions, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met briefly on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy in June 2024. This meeting, though not officially scheduled, signals a potential thaw in their frosty relationship.
The G7 Meeting
The G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, brought leaders of the world’s major economies together. India, though not a G7 member, often participates in the summit’s outreach sessions. During this summit, Modi and Trudeau had a brief interaction. Trudeau later spoke about a commitment to work together on important issues, but he did not disclose specifics, calling the matters sensitive.
The Nijjar Killing and Its Aftermath
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. Canada accused Indian security officials of being involved in the assassination, which India vehemently denied, calling the claims “absurd and motivated.” This incident led to a significant diplomatic fallout:
- Both countries expelled intelligence officers.
- The diplomatic staff was reduced.
- Trade talks were halted.
Despite this, there were signs that both nations were trying to navigate through these challenges. Trudeau’s brief interaction with Modi at the G7 Summit and the presence of U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in India around the same time suggest efforts to find common ground. Modi and Trudeau’s Interaction
Modi and Trudeau’s Interaction
The meeting between Modi and Trudeau was brief and unscheduled. Modi shared a photo on social media of the two leaders shaking hands. The accompanying text read, “Met Canadian PM Justin Trudeau at the G7 Summit.” This meeting marked their first face-to-face interaction since the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, where tensions were high due to the Najjar case.
Trudeau’s spokesperson confirmed that the leaders had a “brief discussion on the bilateral relationship.” Trudeau congratulated Modi on his re-election and reiterated the importance of working together on sensitive issues. However, the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office did not provide further details about the discussion.
Diplomatic Challenges and Moving Forward
Several key points have marked the diplomatic strain between Canada and India:
- Canada’s Allegations: Trudeau’s public statement in the Canadian Parliament about India’s alleged involvement in Nijjar’s killing was a significant diplomatic move. This led to heightened tensions and a series of retaliatory actions from both countries.
- India’s Response: India rejected the allegations and called for Canada to take stronger action against pro-Khalistani elements, which India believes are being fostered in Canada. The Indian government has repeatedly expressed its concerns over the political space given to these elements in Canada.
- Efforts at Diplomacy: Despite the tensions, both countries have made efforts to keep diplomatic channels open. The brief interaction at the G7 Summit is one such example. Additionally, high-level discussions, like the visit of U.S. NSA Jake Sullivan to India, indicate ongoing efforts to manage these sensitive issues.
Broader Geopolitical Context
The tensions between Canada and India are part of a broader geopolitical landscape. The U.S. also has concerns related to India, particularly regarding another alleged plot involving Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, another Khalistani separatist. The U.S. position has been firm, with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stating that this issue would continue to be a topic of dialogue between the U.S. and India.
Modi’s interactions at the G7 Summit, including with U.S. President Joe Biden, suggest that while these assassination allegations are serious, they are being managed within a larger context of international relations. The presence of India’s prime minister at such high-profile events underscores India’s significant role in global affairs, despite ongoing controversies.
Internal Political Dynamics
Within India, the Modi government has faced criticism and scrutiny over these international allegations. However, Modi’s engagement at the G7 Summit and the support from leaders like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni indicate that India’s position on the global stage remains strong.
In Canada, Trudeau has faced domestic pressure to address these issues transparently and firmly. His cautious approach in handling the interaction with Modi reflects the sensitive nature of the allegations and the need to maintain a balanced diplomatic stance.
The meeting between Trudeau and Modi at the G7 Summit, though brief, is a significant step towards mending the strained relations between Canada and India. Both countries have shown a willingness to engage diplomatically despite serious allegations and past tensions. Moving forward, the focus will likely be on finding common ground and addressing the sensitive issues that have strained their relationship. The broader geopolitical context, including the involvement of the U.S., will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of India-Canada relations.
