G7 Summit: India, Canada to restore High Commissioners soon, agree to improve bilateral relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral discussion with his Canadian counterpart on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis.

Foreign Secretary Misri said that the meeting discussed the importance of the India-Canada relationship, which is based on "shared values, democracy and the rule of law, people-to-people contact and many other commonalities."

Misri informed that the Prime Ministers agreed to take "calibrated steps" to restore the stability to the India-Canada relationship. "The first of these steps that was agreed on was to restore High Commissioners to each other's capitals at an early date. Other diplomatic steps will follow in due course," he said.

PM Modi and PM Carney also agreed to resume senior and working-level mechanisms and discussions in a host of areas related to trade, people-to-people contact and connectivity - all of them intended to bring greater momentum to the relationship.

"The two leaders discussed potential collaboration on various issues related to clean energy, clean technology, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, food security, critical minerals and supply chains," Misri added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> met with PM <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkJCarney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarkJCarney</a> of Canada on the sidelines of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G7</a> Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.<br><br>They had a productive discussion on the way forward for 🇮🇳-🇨🇦 bilateral ties. <br><br>🎥 Listen to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri speak on the understanding reached. <a href="https://t.co/hKqXrTcOIn">pic.twitter.com/hKqXrTcOIn</a></p>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1935128638522806648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In view of the trade negotiations between the two countries that are currently paused, the two leaders also decided to instruct their officials to take it up at an early date, Misri said in a video statement, adding that the two leaders agreed to stay in touch and meet once again at the earliest possible opportunity.

The relations of India and Canada witnessed their relationship in 2023 after then-PM Justin Trudeau had accused India of killing pro-Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Both countries had recalled their high commissioners and diplomats following the accusation.

PM Modi's meeting with Carney

PM Modi said that both leaders look forward to advancing ties in different areas such as trade, space, and critical minerals.

"Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Complimented him and the Canadian Government for successfully hosting the G7 Summit," PM Modi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) after meeting with Carney.

"India and Canada are connected by a strong belief in democracy, freedom and rule of law. PM Carney and I look forward to working closely to add momentum to the India-Canada friendship. Areas like trade, energy, space, clean energy, critical minerals, fertilisers and more offer immense potential in this regard," he added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Complimented him and the Canadian Government for successfully hosting the G7 Summit. India and Canada are connected by a strong belief in democracy, freedom and rule of law. PM Carney and I look forward to working closely… <a href="https://t.co/QyadmnThwH">pic.twitter.com/QyadmnThwH</a></p>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1935096461743825334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Canadian PM Carney highlighted the importance of improving bilateral relations with India and confirmed that new High Commissioners will be appointed soon.

"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," Carney told reporters.