Suspense crime, Digital Desk : S. Jaishankar, India’s Foreign Affairs Minister, spoke over the phone with Anita Anand, the new Foreign Minister of Canada, late on Sunday. This was their first discussion in formal diplomatic channels after the two countries had a fallout in late 2023. This is considered, and optimistically so, towards recalibrating bilateral relations.

The focus of the Ministers’ discussion was to foster coordination in the economic sphere and other shared areas of strategic interests. Jaishankar mentioned on X (formerly Twitter), “Appreciate the telecon with FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada. Discussed the prospects of India-Canada ties. Wished her a very successful tenure.”

Anand explicitly said it was a “productive discussion.” Jaishankar and Anand posted their talks on the X. Anand expressed gratitude towards Jaishankar, thanking him for the discussion aimed at strengthening Canada–India relations and expanding economic cooperation.

Anita Anand, 58, is an Indo-Canadian politician who previously served as Canada’s Minister of Innovation and Defence Minister. Her recent appointment to Foreign Minister in the Cabinet of Mark Carney indicates a marked change from the posture of earlier governments.

Strained Relations Under Trudeau and Path to Rebuilding Trust

Relations between India and Canada saw a severe dip after former Canadian Premier Trudeau alleged that the Indian Government is involved in the assassination of the Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau’s claims were dismissed as “laughable” by India which led to the diplomatic tit-for-tat, expulsion of diplomats, and freezing any form of communication between the two countries.

India has on numerous occasions pointed fingers at the Canadian Government’s tolerance for extremist and separatist groups as the primary unaddressed problem in the stalled relations. In March, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal went on record stating that this remains India’s primary pain point.

There seems to have a change of tone after the election of Carney’s Liberal Party. Now, both sides appear receptive to the idea of easing tensions. It seems Anand’s Indian heritage and experience are seen helpful in this regard.

Forward Steps and Renewed Engagement

Diplomatic sources mention Canada’s intentions to place new high commissioners. Comprehensive diplomatic relations are expected to resume along with a high-level bilateral meeting. Conversations on Sunday are being looked at as a step towards rebuilding trust and jointly exploring economic opportunities in India.

New Delhi hopes that the leadership of Carney would restore the trust and sensitivity approach to bilateral relations within the framework of ‘mutual respect and sensitivity’.

Read More: India-Canada Diplomatic Reset Begins with First Call Between Jaishankar and Anita Anand