Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to Visit China and India Amid Diplomatic Reset

 

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is preparing to visit both China and India in the coming weeks, as Ottawa works to rebuild and strengthen its ties with two of Asia’s biggest economies.

 

Anand confirmed she will hold discussions with her counterparts in both countries, focusing on opportunities for cooperation despite the challenges that have strained relations in recent years. Canada’s disputes with China over tariffs and its tense standoff with India over allegations of transnational repression and violence have been key hurdles, according to a report by Bloomberg.

 

Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Anand underlined that Canada must maintain strong bilateral ties with major economies in the Indo-Pacific. She stressed that safeguarding Canada’s national interests will remain central to her talks.

 

Diplomatic engagement between India and Canada has recently gained momentum. Earlier in June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney during the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada. Both leaders agreed to take constructive steps toward stabilising and strengthening relations.

 

Ties between the two countries deteriorated sharply after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged possible Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. Following the allegation, New Delhi recalled its high commissioner and five other diplomats, while Canada also expelled Indian envoys.

 

Relations began to thaw after Liberal Party leader Mark Carney won the April parliamentary elections and took over as Prime Minister, setting the stage for a reset in ties. Canada is home to the largest Sikh diaspora outside of India, a factor that has often influenced the bilateral relationship.

 

Nijjar was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. His killing became a flashpoint in India-Canada relations, with Ottawa raising concerns and New Delhi accusing Canada of turning a blind eye to extremist activities on its soil.

 

During the recent G7 summit, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Carney held what officials described as a “key meeting” where they discussed ways to rebuild cooperation.

 

Anand also highlighted that Canada’s domestic security remains a top priority. She said the country’s national security adviser had recently met with his Indian counterpart to discuss issues such as counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and tackling transnational organised crime.

 

“We will continue to take steps to protect the safety and security of Canadians,” Anand said.

 

A report from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) in June stated that Khalistani groups continue to use Canada as a hub for fundraising, promotion, and planning of violent activities, largely directed at India.