On the fringes of the G7 foreign ministers gathering in Canada, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand met as both countries worked to mend fences following the diplomatic dispute over the 2023 murder of a Sikh separatist.
The Canadian minister emphasised the importance of continuing law enforcement communication between the two nations, even as both sides acknowledged the advancements made in the new roadmap's execution during Anand's visit to India last month.
Ottawa views the conversation as crucial for the safety and security of its own residents, while India views it as crucial to curb the anti Indian actions of Khalistan separatists in Canada.
Anand stated that Canadians have the right to feel safe and secure in their own nation in an interview with ToI last month.
"Appreciated the New Roadmap 2025's implementation progress. After the meeting, Jaishankar stated, "Look forward to the further rebuilding of our bilateral partnership." One of the guest nations invited to attend the G7 meeting at the town of Niagara on the Lake was India.
"Appreciated the New Roadmap 2025's implementation progress. After the meeting, Jaishankar stated, "Look forward to the further rebuilding of our bilateral partnership." One of the guest nations invited to attend the G7 meeting at the town of Niagara on the Lake was India.
Maninder Sidhu, Canada's minister for international commerce, came in India on Wednesday to explore trade and investment opportunities following the two countries' joint announcement last month of a number of steps to normalize the relationship, including through trade talks.
But Ottawa also insists that public safety and the rule of law are paramount to the development of the partnership, as Anand reaffirmed during a press conference.
Anand recalled the joint declaration that called for a positive partnership built on respect for the rule of law and a dedication to preserving the values of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Notably, Anand, who has insisted that Canada will continue the partnership gradually, also stated that the normalisation will depend on the law enforcement conversation. In an interview with Canada's CBC Radio, Anand stated,
"We are taking the relationship step by step to ensure that we are stressing the importance of public safety and security in the interests of all Canadian citizens, first and foremost.
It will be systematic, and it will not occur unless we can ensure that this public safety dialogue continues." She was answering a question about Canada's ability to maintain relations with a nation that has been accused of violating its sovereignty.
