India, Canada Aim Renewing Diplomatic Ties

(MENAFN) India and Canada have decided to mend their strained relationship, following a prolonged period of tension that escalated to the point where both nations expelled senior diplomats in 2024.

This move marks a turning point in the diplomatic rapport between the two Commonwealth countries.

As part of this reconciliation, both New Delhi and Ottawa will assign new high commissioners to lead their respective diplomatic missions.

Within the context of the British Commonwealth, a high commissioner holds the same rank as an ambassador, and the term "high commission" is used instead of "embassy" for official diplomatic representations.

This diplomatic progress was achieved on the sidelines of the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney.

According to a release from Carney’s office, “Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the importance of Canada-India ties, based upon mutual respect, the rule of law, and a commitment to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Furthermore, the statement emphasized that “The leaders agreed to designate new High Commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries,” indicating a desire to normalize diplomatic and commercial functions.

The leaders also explored avenues for enhancing economic relations, particularly in fields like trade, economic development, supply chain resilience, and the transition to cleaner energy.

The decline in bilateral relations had notably worsened following the G20 summit held in India in 2023, setting the stage for this recent diplomatic thaw.

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