India and Canada are taking big steps to mend their ties. On Friday, officials from both countries met in New Delhi for pre-Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). They agreed to kickstart talks in key areas like trade, defence, energy, civil nuclear issues, security, law enforcement, critical minerals, space, science and technology, and agriculture.
The meeting highlighted the strong foundation of India-Canada relations, built on shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and a commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both sides reviewed their bilateral relations and discussed global and regional matters, according to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Progress has picked up since June 2025, especially with High Commissioners returning to each other’s capitals. India’s team was led by MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran, while Canada’s side was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison. The talks align with the understanding between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney to stabilize the relationship and build a balanced partnership.
To boost people-to-people ties and economic opportunities between India and Canada, officials also pledged to fix capacity issues at their missions and consulates.
David Morrison also met India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. On Thursday, the National Security Advisors from both nations held discussions as part of routine bilateral security consultations.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared during a Friday briefing: “Canada’s NSA talked with our National Security Advisor on the 18th. This follows up on the positive chat between PM Modi and PM Carney at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.”
That G7 sideline meeting in June aimed to revive strained India-Canada relations. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called it “very positive and constructive.” As a first step, the leaders agreed to reinstate High Commissioners quickly and restart senior-level talks on trade, people-to-people contacts, and connectivity to add momentum to the partnership.
Last month, India named Dinesh K Patnaik—previously Ambassador to Spain—as the new High Commissioner to Canada. This comes over 10 months after New Delhi pulled back its previous envoy, Sanjay Kumar Verma, amid tensions with then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The souring of India-Canada ties started in 2023 when Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India had cited an atmosphere of extremism and violence under Trudeau’s leadership when it withdrew Verma in October 2024.
These recent moves signal a fresh start for bilateral relations between India and Canada, focusing on cooperation in trade, security, and more.
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