Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for her first official visit to India, signaling renewed efforts to mend the strained India-Canada relationship after years of diplomatic tension. Over the next few days, Anand is set to meet key Indian leaders, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, to explore cooperation in trade, energy, and security. Both sides are focused on rebuilding trust and establishing a stable, forward-looking framework for bilateral ties.
The diplomatic strains date back to 2023 when Canada accused Indian agents of involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen, claims India firmly rejected, leading to frozen trade talks and diplomatic expulsions. However, recent developments such as the appointment of new high commissioners earlier this year show signs of cautious thaw in relations.
Anand’s visit carries symbolic importance as she is of Indian heritage, viewed as a potential bridge between the two capitals. Discussions this week are expected to focus on creating a broader cooperation framework that could pave the way for resuming trade negotiations and gradually normalizing ties. Observers see the visit as a key moment to determine if both nations are ready to start a new chapter in their bilateral relations.
