The leaders of India and Canada on Tuesday held their first bilateral meeting since then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused New Delhi in 2023 of involvement in the killing of a Canadian Sikh separatist.
Relations have been poor for almost two years but there was no sign of tension when Prime Minister Mark Carney warmly welcomed Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to the Group of Seven summit he is chairing in Alberta.
India denied Canada’s allegations of involvement in the murder, and both nations are looking to shore up global partnerships as trade tensions and wars are recasting long-standing alliances.
Carney has previously said he invited India, which is not a G7 member, due to its importance in global supply chains.
“It is my great honor to have you here,” Carney told Modi, saying their meeting was a “testament to the importance of your country” and the issues they needed to tackle together.
These included energy security, artificial intelligence, and the fights “against terrorism” and against transnational repression.
Carney did not mention the furor sparked when Trudeau accused India’s government of involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.
Modi did not mention the case either. Speaking through an interpreter, he said the two nations could work together to strengthen democratic values.
“I’m sure, under your leadership, we will be able to work together in a positive way,” said Modi, paying his first visit to Canada for a decade.
India is Canada’s top source of temporary foreign workers and international students, as well as an important market.
Greg Cherewyk, president of the Pulse Canada industry group, said Canadian farmers hope to export more agricultural products to the world’s most populous nation, including lentils.
Canada’s Sikh community, the largest outside of the Indian state of Punjab, has voiced outrage over Modi’s visit, saying Canada should have set conditions before inviting him. A few dozen Sikh protesters in downtown Calgary tore apart Indian flags in protest on Tuesday.
Modi’s government has denied involvement in the killing and accused Canada of providing a safe haven for Sikh separatists.
Last year, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, linking them to Nijjar’s murder and alleging a broader government effort to target Indian dissidents in Canada. Four men have been charged with his murder.
