A senior Canadian official stated that Ottawa no longer associates India with violent crimes on its soil, ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to India. This marks a diplomatic reset following tensions over the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Relations have improved since Carney took office in 2025, with recent agreements on security and trade cooperation.
In a significant development, a senior Canadian official announced on Wednesday that the federal government has determined India is not involved in violent criminal activities on Canadian territory. This assessment comes just before Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to India, set to begin on Thursday, signaling progress in bilateral security dialogues.
The statement reflects a thaw in relations strained since the June 2023 killing of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. On September 18, 2023, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed Parliament that security agencies were investigating credible allegations of links between Indian agents and the murder, calling it a violation of sovereignty. This led to mutual expulsions of diplomats and reduced staff in 2023 and 2024, even as four men faced charges in the case.
Ties began stabilizing after Carney assumed office on March 14, 2025. He hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 Summit in Canada shortly after, where they agreed to reinstate high commissioners and boost cooperation in trade, energy, critical minerals, technology, AI, and defense. A November 2025 G20 meeting in Johannesburg further confirmed positive momentum, including talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Carney's nine-day tour includes stops in India, Australia, and Japan, framed as efforts to diversify trade amid uncertainties with the United States. In India, he will engage in business in Mumbai and hold talks with Modi in New Delhi, without visiting Punjab—a departure from past Canadian leaders' traditions. International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, accompanying Carney, noted recent agreements for law-enforcement liaison officers and emphasized balancing community safety with economic ties. He said, “I do believe we can do two things at the same time. We can keep our community safe. We can have law enforcement dialogue … and we can continue to engage with partners around the world economically.”
The visit has sparked protests in Canada from groups like Sikhs for Justice, with some criticizing the trip amid ongoing security concerns.
