Daijiworld Media Network – Ottawa
Ottawa , May 30: In what appears to be the first major diplomatic overture since the frosty turn in Canada-India relations, Anita Anand, Canada’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, has said her government is proceeding “one step at a time” in efforts to rebuild trust and cooperation with New Delhi.
Speaking to The Globe and Mail, Anand struck a measured tone, acknowledging the sensitive state of bilateral ties while reaffirming Canada’s commitment to the rule of law. “We are certainly taking it one step at a time... There is an ongoing investigation regarding the case that you mentioned,” she said, referring to the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian national and designated Khalistani terrorist by India.
Ties between the two democracies plunged to historic lows after then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly alleged Indian involvement in Nijjar’s murder. India strongly denied the accusations, calling them “absurd” and “politically motivated.”
Anand’s recent May 25 phone call with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar marked a rare official engagement in nearly two years of diplomatic chill. When asked whether this call could pave the way for the return of high commissioners to their respective posts in Ottawa and New Delhi, Anand said Canada is “approaching the relationship incrementally.”
Both countries have kept their ambassadorial positions vacant, reflecting the lingering mistrust since the diplomatic fallout.
The comments come amid a significant political transition in Canada. In March, Mark Carney succeeded Trudeau as Prime Minister, triggering a snap federal election in April. Carney’s Liberal Party retained power, extending its decade-long hold since 2015.
Anand, who represents Oakville East, was elevated to the foreign ministry role as part of Carney’s Cabinet overhaul—signalling a possible strategic reset in Canada's foreign relations.
“As a government, we are looking forward to continuing to build this partnership. It’s part of the process of diversifying our relationships around the world,” Anand added.
With trade, education, and people-to-people connections deeply interwoven, both nations have a strong incentive to move beyond the standoff. However, the path forward appears deliberate and cautious, with neither side showing signs of rushing reconciliation.
Analysts say Anand’s remarks, though restrained, indicate that dialogue is back on the table, and both sides may gradually work towards restoring diplomatic normalcy.