In a major diplomatic move, India is mulling over reinstating its High Commissioner to Canada, ending what appears to be a multi-year freeze in relations between the two countries. This US move comes after Mark Carney’s recent win in Canada’s Liberal Party leadership contest, making him the next PM.
Tensions between India and Canada shot up in 2023 following the killing of Khalistani rebel leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and a series of diplomatic expulsions ensued. India recalled its ambassador and expelled Canadian diplomats in return after the Trudeau government accused Indian agents of being involved. However, New Delhi has always dismissed the allegations, asking for credible evidence.
With Carney upcoming in office, former diplomats from each nation hope a clean slate. Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Director Daniel Rogers is heading to India next week for high-level security talks as part of the first major engagement since national security teams clashed in sausage days last year in Singapore. 
Sources suggest that India’s Ministry of External Affairs has narrowed down candidates to occupy the vacant High Commissioner position in Ottawa. Carney and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre have also expressed interest in reviving trade and diplomatic ties with India, as Canada looks for economy diversification amidst U.S. trade troubles.
Most seem convinced a diplomatic reset could clear the way for a new trade deal and possibly even an invitation to India to the next G7 Summit in Canada. In the coming few months the course of India-Canada relations will be identified.
