Jaishankar, Canadian Counterpart Anand Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Ties
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with newly appointed Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, discussing ways to strengthen India-Canada relations. This was their first official discussion, announced by Anand on social media, who termed it "productive." The call comes amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts to navigate and improve the often-strained relationship between the two nations, focusing on mutual interests and cooperation.
Unpacked:
Recent tensions peaked in 2023 when both countries expelled diplomats and issued travel advisories, following disagreements over issues such as activism related to the Khalistan movement within Canada and the broader handling of security and sovereignty concerns.
The Khalistan issue refers to a separatist movement seeking an independent Sikh state in Punjab. While it has little traction in India today, India's concerns over pro-Khalistan activism within Canada's Sikh diaspora remain a significant point of bilateral tension.
India and Canada have cooperated in areas such as development aid, food assistance, technical exchange, education, and nuclear energy, with Canada providing significant aid to India from the 1950s onward. Economic engagement and people-to-people ties also remain strong.
Anita Anand is a Canadian politician appointed as Foreign Minister in 2025. She is significant as one of the highest-ranking ministers of Indian descent in Canada, potentially bringing a nuanced perspective to Canada-India relations.