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Modi-Carney meeting a chance to reset bilateral ties: India
New Delhi views upcoming Modi-Carney meeting an “important opportunity” to reshape bilateral relations amid tensions.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 12, Jun 2025
- 15:39 EDT
- 18
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal / Screengrab from the weekly briefing
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit will be an “important opportunity” to reset bilateral ties, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on June 12.
“We believe that the forthcoming meeting between the two leaders… will offer an important opportunity to exchange views on bilateral and global issues, and to explore pathways to reset the relationship based on mutual respect, shared interests and sensitivity to each other’s concerns,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a weekly briefing.
Also Read: Modi's Canada visit ushers in hope for cordial ties
Modi and Carney spoke for the first time on June 6, when the Indian leader accepted an invitation to attend the outreach session of the summit, scheduled to be held in Kananaskis, Canada from June 15–17.
Carney’s invitation drew criticism from some Sikh groups in Canada, but he defended the move, saying India was “essential” to global conversations on security, energy, digital transitions, and critical minerals.
Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (June 12, 2025) pic.twitter.com/KlZHBquoJZ
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 12, 2025
Relations soured
India-Canada relations deteriorated sharply in 2023 after then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian government agents were involved in the killing of Canadian citizen and Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India dismissed the allegations as “absurd and motivated,” and accused the Trudeau government of allowing secessionist elements to operate with impunity.
The diplomatic fallout led to tit-for-tat expulsions, suspension of visa services, and a freeze in several areas of bilateral cooperation. Jaiswal did not confirm whether the Nijjar case or the broader Khalistan issue would feature in Modi’s meeting with Carney, but said India’s views on these matters had been “shared publicly in considerable detail.”
He added that law enforcement agencies in both countries have existing mechanisms to discuss security issues. “This engagement is likely to continue,” he said.
The Canadian Prime Minister’s Office said Modi and Carney had agreed to continued law enforcement dialogue during their phone call. The Indian readout did not mention this, but the MEA confirmed ongoing cooperation on mutual security concerns.
The trial of four Indian men arrested in connection with Nijjar’s killing is currently underway in Canada. Both sides have also expressed interest in tackling transnational criminal networks — some allegedly tied to pro-Khalistan elements.
Project Pelican
The G7 meeting comes days after Canadian authorities wrapped up “Project Pelican,” a major narcotics operation that uncovered an alleged network funding anti-India activities. The bust, involving 479 kg of cocaine and nine arrests, marked Canada’s largest-ever cocaine seizure. Peel Regional Police said several suspects — including seven of Indian origin — were allegedly linked to Khalistani supporters.
Media reports citing intelligence sources said the smuggling network used cross-border trucking routes and may have received support from Pakistan’s intelligence services to funnel funds into weapons and separatist propaganda.
While the MEA did not directly comment on the case, Jaiswal reiterated New Delhi’s broader position: “Whether it is Canada or anybody else, our security concerns are important for us, and we expect our international partners to act accordingly.”
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