India and Canada agree to strengthen diplomatic relations

18-Jun-2025 11:56 AM

Ottawa. India and Canada have agreed to appoint new High Commissioners and reinstate regular diplomatic services, which had been suspended last year. During a special meeting with the Indian Prime Minister, who was attending the G-7 summit in Alberta province as a special invitee, the Canadian Prime Minister emphasized the need to remove the strain in bilateral relations.

Last year, Canada had expelled six Indian diplomatic and consular officials. In response, the Indian government asked the acting High Commissioner of Canada and five other Canadian diplomats to leave India.

Since then, these diplomatic positions have remained vacant. The previous Canadian Prime Minister was reportedly under pressure from pro-Khalistan groups, which led to these actions.

Despite the diplomatic rift, trade relations between the two countries remained unaffected. India continued to import large quantities of yellow peas and lentils from Canada.

When India imposed a 10% import duty on lentils, it applied uniformly to all exporting countries, including Canada. Likewise, the policy allowing duty-free import of yellow peas remains applicable to Canadian exporters.

While India's relationship with the former Canadian government was tense, the new administration led by Prime Minister Mark Carney is actively working to improve ties.

As part of these efforts, Carney extended a special invitation to several global leaders, including the Indian Prime Minister, to participate in the G-7 summit. The new Canadian leadership appears to clearly recognize India’s strategic and economic significance as a vital market and trade partner.