Canada, India agree to restore high commissioners, revive trade talks

Both the countries had expelled each other’s top envoys in October last year in tit-for-tat moves when Canada’s police had claimed having evidence linking Indian government agents to ‘widespread violence’ in Canada.

The announcement came after a meeting yesterday between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis in Canada.

Following the meeting, Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri said the two leaders agreed to take ‘calibrated steps’ to stabilise the relationship. “Other diplomatic steps will follow in due course,” he added.

Both sides also decided to revive trade negotiations that had been paused, Misri said. Talks regarding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement have been suspended.

Official releases from both sides underscored the importance of the broader strategic and economic relationship. Misri said the leaders had discussed cooperation in clean energy, digital technology, artificial intelligence, supply chains and critical minerals.

Modi also addressed a session on ‘Energy Security: diversification, technology and infrastructure to ensure access and affordability in a changing world' at the summit yesterday. Availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability were the principles that underpinned India’s approach to energy security, he noted.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)