NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will visit Canada next week in a major diplomatic step toward rebuilding trust between New Delhi and Ottawa. The visit signals renewed momentum in India-Canada relations, which had been strained for more than a year. Dr. Jaishankar’s trip marks the most significant high-level engagement since the two countries began resetting their relations in early 2025. The visit follows the July meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, which opened a path for reconciliation after years of tension.
The Indian foreign minister will attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Ontario’s Niagara Region on November 11–12. Canada, which holds the G7 Presidency this year, is hosting the meeting for the second time in 2025. The gathering will bring together foreign ministers from major economies to discuss pressing global challenges and reinforce international cooperation.
According to a statement from the Canadian government, the agenda will include issues of global security, economic resilience, and sustainable prosperity. India has been a regular invitee to G7 meetings since France revived the practice in 2019, underscoring New Delhi’s growing role in global diplomacy.
Jaishankar’s visit represents a clear shift from the tense phase that dominated India-Canada relations in 2023 and 2024. The relationship soured after then–Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canada-based Khalistan separatist and designated terrorist by India.
New Delhi strongly rejected the allegation, calling it “absurd” and “politically motivated.” The dispute led to a public exchange of sharp statements and the withdrawal of high commissioners by both countries. The situation began to change when Mark Carney became Prime Minister in early 2025. During his election campaign, Carney had promised to restore and strengthen ties with India, a pledge that has since guided his government’s foreign policy.
A phone call on May 29 between Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is believed to have been a turning point. The conversation reportedly focused on creating a roadmap for restoring diplomatic engagement. Soon after, Canada invited India to attend the G7 Summit in June. By August, both countries had reinstated their high commissioners, signaling a full resumption of diplomatic channels. In September, their national security advisers held discussions followed by pre–foreign office consultations, setting the stage for Jaishankar’s upcoming visit.
Anand’s October visit to New Delhi marked the first by a Canadian cabinet minister in two years. During her trip, she met with Jaishankar and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. She also met Prime Minister Modi, a rare gesture extended to visiting foreign ministers. The talks resulted in a new cooperation roadmap, which included reviving the Energy Dialogue and the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee. Both governments emphasized the need for collaboration in energy transition, innovation, and economic growth.
Officials from both sides say these developments show that the two democracies are committed to rebuilding trust and promoting trade, investment, and innovation. India is one of Canada’s fastest-growing trading partners in Asia, and Canadian pension funds remain key investors in Indian infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Dr. Jaishankar’s visit is expected to reaffirm India’s engagement with the G7 while deepening its bilateral partnership with Canada. Analysts say the trip could set the tone for a long-term strategic understanding, covering trade, technology, security, and the Indo-Pacific region. The visit also reflects a broader trend of India’s increasing participation in global governance forums. As one of the world’s largest democracies and fastest-growing economies, India’s presence at major summits underscores its expanding diplomatic footprint.
Both nations appear ready to move past old disagreements and work together on issues of mutual interest. Jaishankar’s visit will likely cement that progress, signaling a new chapter in India-Canada relations. As preparations for the G7 meeting continue, diplomats on both sides express optimism that this engagement will restore confidence and strengthen cooperation between the two nations after years of strain.
