• India–Canada relations witnessed a major setback in Sept 2024 when then PM Justin Trudeau accused India of a “potential role” in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
• In Oct–Nov 2024, Canadian NSA Nathalie Drouin and Deputy FM David Morrison admitted to leaking allegations to media, claiming India’s Home Minister was involved in targeting Sikh separatists.
• India rejected these as “absurd, baseless, and politically motivated”, and lodged strong protests.

Recent Developments (2025)

1. High-Level Talks in Delhi
   • Sept 2025: Canadian NSA Nathalie Drouin & Deputy FM David Morrison visited Delhi.
   • Met India’s NSA Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
   • Objective → reactivate bilateral dialogue mechanisms and mend strained ties.
2. Prime Ministerial Understanding
   • G7 Summit (Alberta, 2025): PM Narendra Modi met new Canadian PM Mark Carney.
   • Both sides agreed on a constructive and balanced partnership, resetting relations.
3. MEA’s Position
   • Reiterated that talks are part of regular bilateral security consultations.
   • Both countries reaffirmed shared values: democracy, rule of law, sovereignty, territorial integrity.
4. Domains of Cooperation Identified
   • Trade & Investment
   • Defence & Security
   • Energy & Civil Nuclear cooperation
   • Critical Minerals partnership
   • Space & S&T collaboration
   • Agriculture and food security
   • Law enforcement cooperation
5. Progress Since June 2025
   • Return of High Commissioners to capitals.
   • Restart of structured security consultations.
6. India’s Security Concerns
   • India raised issue of pro-Khalistan outfits attacking Indian missions in Canada.
   • Stressed → Canada, as host government, must ensure security of diplomatic establishments.

UPSC Relevance

Prelims

• Key summits: G7, 2025 Alberta (Modi–Carney meet).
• Bilateral sectors: Critical minerals, energy, defence, space, agriculture.

Mains (GS-II: IR)

• Challenges: diaspora politics, Khalistan extremism, erosion of trust under Trudeau era.
• Opportunities: new Canadian leadership under PM Carney, expanding trade & energy partnership, Indo-Pacific collaboration.
• Themes: sovereignty concerns, role of diaspora in diplomacy, re-engagement of democracies.

Essay Practice

• “Diaspora as a Bridge or Barrier in Diplomacy: Lessons from India–Canada.”
• “Rebuilding Trust in Bilateral Relations – The India–Canada Example.”

In Essence

• India–Canada ties, strained under Trudeau, are now in recovery mode under PM Carney.
• Positive signs: return of ambassadors, structured dialogue, broad cooperation agenda.
• Persistent irritant: pro-Khalistan extremism in Canada.
• Future trajectory depends on whether Canada balances domestic politics with India’s sovereignty and security concerns.