Indien, Kanada Lebenslauf Gespräche zum Zurücksetzen der Beziehungen

SS: India and Canada have resumed contacts between security agencies and are eyeing the possibility of appointing new high commissioners, paving the way for a reset of diplomatic ties after the storm over the 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, people familiar with the matter said.

Discussions between the two sides through diplomatic and security channels resumed around December, after the relationship went through another rough patch in October, when India withdrew its high commissioner and five other diplomats who were declared “persons of interest” in the investigation into Nijjar’s killing and expelled an equal number of Canadian diplomats.

The exit of Justin Trudeau, who triggered the diplomatic row over the Nijjar killing by alleging in September 2023 that Indian government agents were linked to the murder, and his replacement with Mike Carney as the Canadian Prime Minister, too, has paved the way for improving ties, they said.

However, there may still be complications ahead. The trial of four Indian men accused in Nijjar’s killing is currently underway in the British Columbia supreme court in New Westminster. In addition, Canada’s federal election is imminent and the direction of restoring ties will be dictated by the next Prime Minister, whether it is incumbent Carney or Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre. While the poll is scheduled for October, it may be advanced to spring, according to Canadian media.