India and Canada set for first round of talks next week after ties 'reset'

India and Canada are set to hold their first talks next week after last month's agreement to reset their relationship following a prolonged row over the killing of a Khalistani separatist, with discussions expected to focus on security concerns and upgrading diplomatic ties, people familiar with the matter said.

- Rezaul H Laskar and Anirudh Bhattacharyya

Canada’s assistant deputy minister (Indo-Pacific) Weldon Epp is expected to travel to New Delhi for meetings with senior Indian diplomats on taking forward the process of rebuilding relations and putting in place measures to address the issues and concerns of the two countries, people from both sides said on condition of anonymity.

Bilateral ties cratered when former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau alleged in September 2023 that Indian government agents were linked to the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India dismissed the charge as “absurd” and both sides paused talks on a trade deal, downgraded diplomatic relations and expelled dozens of each other's diplomats.