What Did EAM Jaishankar Discuss with Canadian Counterpart Anita Anand?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar and Anita Anand discussed strengthening India-Canada relations.
- Canada will host the G7 Summit from June 15 to 17.
- Relations strained due to allegations against India regarding the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
- New Canadian PM Mark Carney aims to deepen economic ties with India.
- Both nations are focused on constructive dialogue moving forward.
New Delhi, May 26 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar engaged in a telephonic discussion with his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations between India and Canada.
Anand took to her social media platform X to announce the conversation, expressing gratitude towards EAM Jaishankar for the "productive discussion" regarding Indo-Canadian ties.
"Thank you Minister @DrSJaishankar for the productive discussion today on strengthening Canada-India ties, deepening our economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities. I look forward to continuing our work together," she shared on X.
Shortly after, EAM Jaishankar confirmed the dialogue on his official X account, stating he had explored the future of relations between the two nations.
"Appreciate the telecon with FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada. Discussed the prospects of India-Canada ties. Wished her a very successful tenure," he tweeted.
The new Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, is advocating for a deeper economic partnership with India.
The upcoming G7 Summit will be held in Canada from June 15 to 17.
The 58-year-old Anita Anand was recently appointed as Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs following a Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Carney, occurring almost two weeks after his party won the parliamentary elections.
On May 14, EAM Jaishankar had congratulated Anand on her new role.
Prior to the Canada elections, Anand served as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and has also held various important positions, including that of Defence Minister. She succeeded Melanie Joly, who is now the Minister of Industry.
PM Narendra Modi congratulated Carney on his election as Canadian Prime Minister, following the resignation of Justin Trudeau.
In his message, PM Modi emphasized the strong people-to-people connections between the two nations, expressing eagerness to "unlock greater opportunities".
With Carney’s leadership, India aims to establish a fresh chapter in bilateral relations that had deteriorated under Trudeau amidst unfounded accusations regarding the killing of pro-Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.
During his campaign, the Canadian Prime Minister prioritized rebuilding ties with India, labeling it an "incredibly important relationship".
He noted that Canadians share deep personal, economic, and strategic connections with India.
Relations between India and Canada faced significant strain in 2023 after Trudeau publicly claimed India’s involvement in the killing of Nijjar on Canadian soil, allegations that India labeled as "absurd" and "politically motivated".
Tensions escalated with Canada expelling six Indian diplomats, leading to reciprocal actions by India.
Both nations witnessed the expulsion of top envoys, halted trade discussions, and suspended official visits.
India has accused Canada of enabling extremism on its territory and failing to address attacks against its diplomatic personnel.