New Delhi, March 2 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have engaged in discussions aimed at reinstating diplomatic staffing levels in both nations to their former capacity, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday.

During a media briefing following their bilateral talks in New Delhi, MEA’s Secretary (East) P Kumaran addressed the matter, indicating that it had been a topic of discussion at multiple levels throughout their engagements.

“There is a general consensus on the need to progressively enhance diplomatic strength on both sides to restore previous levels. We are already advancing in that direction. You may have observed that the High Commissioners have resumed their roles. Our mission in Canada is currently led by a High Commissioner, as is the Canadian mission,” Kumaran remarked.

“I should mention that the current numbers exceed those of 2023. We are committed to enhancing this further in alignment with our broadened agenda and ambitions, progressing steadily,” he added.

Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated following accusations from former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who claimed in Parliament to have credible evidence of India's involvement in the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

A significant diplomatic conflict arose when Canada identified India's High Commissioner and other diplomats as “persons of interest” in the investigation concerning Nijjar's death.

India refuted these claims, labeling them as “absurd” and “motivated,” and accused Ottawa of providing a platform for extremist and anti-India factions.

In October 2024, India opted to withdraw its High Commissioner and other designated diplomats from Canada due to Trudeau's ongoing “hostility” towards India.

“We lack confidence in the current Canadian Government's commitment to ensure the safety of our diplomats. Consequently, the Government of India has resolved to pull back the High Commissioner along with other designated officials. It was also communicated that India reserves the right to undertake further actions in response to the Trudeau Government’s endorsement of extremism, violence, and separatism against India,” the MEA announced after summoning the Canadian Charge d'Affaires in New Delhi in October 2024 over the “baseless targeting” of Indian diplomats in Canada.

Nevertheless, since Carney assumed office as Prime Minister, strategic measures have been initiated to mend India-Canada relations, culminating in the appointment of Dinesh K Patnaik as India’s High Commissioner to Canada.