“We are certainly taking it one step at a time. As I mentioned, the rule of law will never be compromised, and there is an ongoing investigation regarding the case that you mentioned,” Anand said referring to the June 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whose death had triggered a sharp fallout between the two nations.
Nijjar’s killing led to a diplomatic fallout Ties between the two countries deteriorated in September 2023 when the then prime minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian officials of being linked to Nijjar’s killing, claiming there were “credible allegations” of involvement.
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India dismissed the claims as “absurd” and “politically motivated”. The allegations led to the expulsion of diplomats on both sides and a suspension of trade negotiations. To date, both nations have yet to appoint new high commissioners.
Speaking about her recent interaction with Jaishankar, Anand noted that discussions were aimed at “strengthening Canada-India ties.”
When asked whether this would lead to the reappointment of senior diplomats, she reiterated that the process would proceed cautiously, step by step, as per The Globe and Mail.
Business Council pushes for economic engagement
Amit this diplomatic recalibration, business leaders have underlined India’s importance to Canada’s economic future.
Goly Hyder, president of the Business Council of Canada, reportedly told The Globe and Mail that he plans to visit India in July to lay the groundwork for a larger business delegation later this year or in early 2026.
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“You can’t have an Indo-Canadian strategy without the Indo, and at some point in time, a mature democracy dealing with another mature democracy finds a way to deal with difficult situations,” he said.
Support and opposition in Canada
Anand’s remarks drew criticism from the World Sikh Organisation (WSO), which expressed “deep disappointment” over her positive tone, alleging that she failed to address the Sikh community’s concerns.
In response, the Hindu organisations in Canada voiced support for Anand’s approach, arguing that diplomatic re-engagement with India is in Canada’s broader interests.
“WSO is bullying Anita Anand for merely trying to improve relations with India—an economic powerhouse in Asia. Strengthening diplomatic ties with India has the potential to benefit all Canadians by facilitating trade and fostering economic growth, particularly at a time when Canada faces external geopolitical pressures,” the Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) wrote in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Organizations such as WSO do not represent the entire Sikh community but operate with their own political and social agendas. It is crucial for Canadians and policymakers to recognize the importance of a **Canada-first approach** in addressing various challenges.
WSO is bullying… https://t.co/QAKLa1zXYu— Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) (@officialHinduCF) May 27, 2025
The HCF further asserted that groups like the WSO do not speak for the entire Sikh community, calling it crucial for Canadians and policymakers to recognise the importance of a “Canada-first approach” in addressing various challenges.
New leadership, new direction
Canada’s current Prime Minister Mark Carney, who succeeded Trudeau, is also pushing for closer economic ties with India ahead of the upcoming G7 Summit from June 15-17, reported News18.
Carney has distanced his administration from pro-Khalistani elements in politics, with observers noting the absence of such figures in key government roles.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Carney upon his election and expressed hope for deepened cooperation, noting people-to-people ties between the two countries.
While tensions remain, the recent high-level engagement suggests a potential shift towards pragmatic diplomacy and renewed economic collaboration.
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