External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, late on Sunday, held his first telephonic conversation with Canada’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Anita Anand, signalling the beginning of a potential diplomatic reset between the two countries following months of strained relations.
The two leaders discussed ways to deepen economic cooperation and advance shared priorities, according to official statements.
Shortly after the call, the EAM took to microblogging X, sharing about the same, “Appreciate the telecon with FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada. Discussed the prospects of India-Canada ties. Wished her a very successful tenure".
Anand, who assumed charge as Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs earlier this month under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new Cabinet, described the exchange as a “productive discussion”.
“Thank you Minister @DrSJaishankar for the productive discussion today on strengthening Canada–India ties, deepening our economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities. I look forward to continuing our work together,” she said on X.
Anand, 58, is a prominent Indo-Canadian leader and was earlier the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. She also served as the defence minister in previous governments. Her appointment as foreign minister, replacing Mélanie Joly, comes after Carney led the Liberal Party to a strong victory in the federal elections last month.
Notably, the phone call is the first formal diplomatic contact between the two governments since Carney's election victory, which has raised hopes of a thaw in India-Canada relations that sharply deteriorated under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Relations hit a low point after Trudeau, in September 2023, publicly alleged a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia - claims New Delhi dismissed as “absurd.” In the weeks that followed, tensions escalated with the mutual expulsion of diplomats and a collapse of communication channels.
India has consistently maintained that the downturn in ties was due to Canada’s failure to act against extremist and secessionist elements operating freely on its soil.
Early this March, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that the “license” given to such groups was the core issue behind the diplomatic freeze.
Since Trudeau’s exit, however, both sides have signalled a willingness to move forward.
According to diplomatic sources, talks are reportedly underway to appoint new high commissioners and resume full-fledged engagement.
Anand’s appointment and her Indian heritage are seen as positive factors in rebuilding mutual trust.
New Delhi has publicly expressed hope that under Carney’s leadership, India and Canada can restore ties based on “mutual trust and sensitivity.”
Sunday’s conversation, focused on economic ties and cooperation on global priorities, marks a step in that direction.
(With inputs from agencies)
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