India and Canada have taken the first big step to improve their damaged relationship. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had a phone conversation with Canada’s new foreign minister, Anita Anand. This is the first top-level political talk between the two countries since Mark Carney became the Prime Minister of Canada.

Both leaders talked about ways to improve economic cooperation and work on common goals. The Indian government is hopeful that ties with Canada may improve now, especially after the departure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Under his leadership, relations between the two countries had become very tense.

After the call, Jaishankar shared on X, "Discussed the prospects of India-Canada ties. Wished her a very successful tenure."

Anand also called the conversation “productive”. She posted on X, "Thank you, Minister @DrSJaishankar, for the productive discussion today on strengthening Canada–India ties, deepening our economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities. I look forward to continuing our work together."

Anand is of Indian origin and took oath on the Bhagavad Gita

Anita Anand, 58, is of Indian origin and a senior leader of the Liberal Party in Canada. Earlier, she served as the country’s defence minister. She took her oath of office with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, something she has done during her earlier Cabinet roles as well.

India-Canada ties became worse in September 2023, when Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of being "potentially" involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India strongly denied this and called the claim “absurd and motivated”. India also said that Canada gives shelter to pro-Khalistan supporters.

Later, both countries expelled each other’s diplomats. But in recent months, security talks have started again. According to PTI, both sides are now discussing appointing new high commissioners.

India has said it wants to rebuild relations with Canada based on “mutual trust and sensitivity”.

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