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Canada's new Foreign Minister Anita Anand is leading the charge to mend the severely strained Ottawa-New Delhi relationship—a diplomatic breach that has continued unabated since 2023. As an Indian-Canadian woman of substance, a lawyer by training, and a government "fixer" by reputation, Anand is being regarded as the appropriate person to drive this sensitive reset "one step at a time."
India-Canada relations reached a record low after the June 2023 assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recklessly attributed to India. The diplomatic row resulted in the expulsion of envoys, suspension of trade negotiations, and almost two years of no ambassador-level presence in either country. Now, with Canada having new Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand, both countries are expressing willingness to redevelop trust and cooperation.
Anand's Mandate and Approach
Newly appointed Foreign Minister of Canada Anita Anand has affirmed on public platforms to revitalize relations with India with a gradual step-by-step process.
Her first formal dialogue with India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, was the most senior-level diplomatic engagement since Carney's election and was characterized by both as "productive" and aimed at building stronger relations and furthering economic cooperation.
Anand said, "The rule of law will never be undermined, and there is a continuing investigation about the case that you discussed… While so, we look forward to continuing to develop this partnership".
Context to the Diplomatic Strain
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The two countries' ties soured in June 2023 when Trudeau accused India of complicity in Nijjar's assassination, which was vigorously denied by India.
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The crisis precipitated the mutual expulsion of diplomats, a freeze on negotiations for trade, and the recall of high commissioners.
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The freeze in diplomacy continued for close to 20 months, with ambassador-level vacancies remaining as of May 2025.
Indications of a Thaw and Steps Forward
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The move to appoint Anand, who has condemned hate speech against Indian diplomats and violence by Sikh extremists, is being interpreted as a confidence-building step by the Carney government.
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Both governments have made commitments to reinstate high commissioners by June 2025, which can be an indicator of a likely normalization of diplomatic ties.
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Economic relations are also a focus area, with Canadian business leaders intending to travel to India to build momentum for resumed trade and investment.
Anand's Profile and Significance
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The first Hindu woman ever to hold the position of Canada's Foreign Minister, Anand was born to Indian immigrant parents.
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She carries with her a lawyer, academic, and seasoned cabinet minister background, having also held Defence and Industry portfolios.
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Her no-nonsense, practical approach and Indian heritage are perceived as strengths in trying to close the two nations' gap.
Outlook
As the probe into Nijjar's murder goes on, both countries are proceeding cautiously yet firmly on the path towards reconciliation, with Anand playing a central role in this diplomatic realignment.
The process is likely to be incremental, with both governments stressing the requirement of maturity and cooperation between two big democracies.
Relevant Sources: Times Now News, DW, News18, Indian Express, Hindustan Times, India Today
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