India-Canada Ties Improve After Months Of Strain, Despite Ongoing Security Concerns

NEW DELHI – India and Canada are stepping up efforts to normalize bilateral relations after months of strained ties, with both sides holding high-level talks and agreeing to revive key dialogue mechanisms across multiple sectors.

On September 18, National Security Advisors from the two countries met in New Delhi for regular security consultations. The discussions were described as a follow-up to the “very positive and constructive” meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, in June.

The renewed engagement also included pre-Foreign Office Consultations, where officials agreed to reactivate channels of cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, energy, civil nuclear, security, and law enforcement. Both sides welcomed progress made since June, particularly the return of High Commissioners to each other’s capitals.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on September 19 addressed reports of heightened Khalistani threats against Indian diplomatic missions in Canada, including the Consulate in Vancouver. The MEA emphasized that ensuring security for Indian diplomatic establishments is the responsibility of the Canadian government and confirmed that the issue has been formally raised with Ottawa.

Officials on both sides signaled optimism that the recent steps would help stabilize the relationship and create space for broader cooperation after a prolonged period of tension. (IANS)