A clean slate for India and Canada

In international relations, pauses have a value of their own.

- HARSH V PANT & VIVEK MISHRA

Be it misunderstanding, estrangement, skirmish or even a war, a temporary freeze can allow the much-needed legroom for countries to step back and reset. As Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand arrived in New Delhi fora three-day visit, it is precisely such a moment for India-Canada relations. Exactly a year ago, bilateral relations between the two democracies seemed more frayed than ever, even as Canada labeled Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in a pro-Khalistan murder case, and India expelled Canadian diplomats.

Changes in both internal and external environments in Canada have contributed to this shift. In Canada, a change of guard from the Justin Trudeau government to the current Mark Carney has resulted in a welcome change in attitude. A key moment was the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr Carney in June on the sidelines of the G7 leaders’ summit in Kananaskis. It was seen as the first opportunity for an off-ramp at the highest levels of both governments. The current visit marks a much-needed follow-up and may provide the moment for restoring trust.