G-7 Summit: To reset India relations, Canadian PM sidesteps Nijjar case
Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: Attempting to restore historically close ties with India, the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, on Wednesday, almost sidestepped the killing of a Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, that spoiled relations between the two democracies in the last two years.
Declining to say anything as the case is sub-judice, he appeared cautious as he commented on discussions he had with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Nijjar killing in British Columbia, for which the then Canadian PM Justin Trudeau blamed India in September 2023, the media reported.
The renewed attempt to restore bilateral relations came after the Khalistanis held rallies in Canada against India and PM Modi on the eve of the G-7 Summit.
In a major breakthrough on Tuesday after the two PMs met on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, they agreed to reinstate envoys in New Delhi and Ottawa.
Speaking to reporters, Carney said while they discussed the importance of having law enforcement dialogue and cooperating directly, he needed to be “careful about further commentary” as there is a judicial process underway.
“We discussed the importance of having law enforcement dialogue, not just dialogue, cooperation directly, the importance of addressing transnational repression…There is a judicial process that’s underway, and I need to be careful about further commentary,” he added.
Nijjar, wanted by India for involvement in terrorist activities, was shot dead on Canadian soil in June 2023. A few months later, Trudeau claimed Ottawa had credible evidence suggesting the involvement of Indian government agents in the terrorist’s killing.
The volatile case has since remained the epicentre of diplomatic fallout between the two countries. India has consistently dismissed the claims, accusing Canada of failing to provide concrete proof or formal communication of their allegations, despite the arrests of Indian nationals in the case.
During their bilateral meeting, the two PMS shared a positive vision for taking forward the countries’ diplomatic ties after a two-year-long rough patch. PM Modi congratulated Carney on his win in the recently held Canadian elections and spoke about his confidence in India and Canada’s ties growing in several sectors.
Carney also praised PM Modi for attending every G7 Summit since 2018 and highlighted India’s global influence.
“Prime Minister Modi has attended every G7 since 2018, which is a reflection of the size of the Indian economy, the dynamism of the Indian economy, Indian technology, and the leadership position India plays in its host of venues from G20 and beyond. So, as Chair of the G7, hosting the Indian Prime Minister in that context is entirely natural, entirely consistent. I fully expect the Prime Minister of India to be in attendance at the G7 in France next year.”
He also called his bilateral meeting with PM Modi “foundational and a necessary first step,” and shared that the two leaders agreed to provide the “necessary foundations” to begin rebuilding a relationship between India and Canada.
“I think today’s meeting was important, but I would describe it as foundational, a necessary first step: an exchange of views-frank, open exchange of views around law enforcement and transnational repression, as two examples-an agreement to provide the necessary foundations to begin rebuilding a relationship based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and trust. We will move to appoint High Commissioners again.”
This was the first meeting between Carney and PM Modi since the former became the Canadian Prime Minister in March 2025.
