New plan between India and Canada aims to ease tensions after activist's murder

India and Canada have agreed on a new plan to restore and deepen their relations after two years of tensions stemming from allegations of a politically motivated assassination.

The agreement, which emerged from talks between the foreign ministers in New Delhi on Monday, focuses on cooperation in the areas of critical minerals, trade, and agricultural supply chains. The aim is not only to strengthen the economic partnership, but also to diversify trade beyond the United States.

Relations had soured after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India in 2023 of involvement in the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India rejected the allegations and responded with criticism of Canada's tolerance of separatist groups.

Despite the tensions, India remains an important partner for Canada—primarily as a source of labor, students, and agricultural exports.

At the meeting, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar agreed that it is in the interests of both countries to strengthen cooperation.

(reuters, max)