India, Canada resume talks to fix strained relations
What's the story
India and Canada have resumed diplomatic talks in an attempt to reset ties following the controversy over the 2023 assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Sources told Hindustan Times that Bilateral talks were revived between the two countries around December last year.
This comes after a period of tension that reached its peak in October 2023, when India withdrew its high commissioner and five other diplomats considered "persons of interest" in the Nijjar's killing probe.
Diplomatic appointments
Potential new high commissioners
As one of the steps to thaw the strained relationship, the Indian government is considering the possibility of appointing new high commissioners. One of them is for the position of the envoy in Ottawa.
Per the paper, Dinesh K Patnaik, India's ambassador to Spain, a senior 1990 batch Indian Foreign Service diplomat, has emerged as a strong contender.
Meanwhile, Christopher Cooter, who served as Canada's envoy to South Africa, is being considered for the high commissioner's post in New Delhi.
Appointment timeline
Future diplomatic appointments still uncertain
However, there's been no word on the timeline of these appointments.
According to some, the appointment of envoys should follow a meeting of top leaders of both countries to signal the resetting of relations.
According to the sources, the G7 summit scheduled for June in Alberta could present a potential opportunity for a meeting between the top leadership of both parties.
Canada will chair G7 in 2025.
Leadership transition
Change in Canadian leadership may facilitate improved relations
The recent change in Canadian leadership from Justin Trudeau to Mike Carney could also bode well for improving ties between the two countries, the source added.
Trudeau had ignited the diplomatic row over the Nijjar killing by alleging Indian government agents were involved in the murder.
Since taking office, Carney has expressed his wish for better relations with India, especially over trade.
Legal hurdles
Ongoing legal proceedings could complicate diplomatic relations
"What Canada will be looking to do is to diversify our trading relationships with like-minded countries and there are opportunities to rebuild the relationship with India," Carney said.
However, there are potential hurdles ahead. The trial of four Indian men accused in Nijjar's killing is ongoing in a British Columbia court.
Canada's federal election is also approaching, and the next prime minister, be it Carney or Conservative Party chief Pierre Poilievre, would determine the future direction of restoring ties.