External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and newly appointed Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand held their first official phone call on Sunday, May 25, 2025, focusing on strengthening economic relations and advancing mutual priorities. Anand recently assumed her role under Prime Minister Mark Carney's administration, following the Liberal Party’s decisive win in last month’s parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Carney's victory is widely seen as a chance to mend the strained India-Canada relationship, which had deteriorated under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Jaishankar shared in a social media post that they discussed the future of bilateral relations and wished Anand success in her new position.

Anand described the conversation as “productive,” emphasizing her commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and addressing shared interests. “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 posted on X.

Ties between the two countries had sharply declined after Trudeau accused Indian agents in September 2023 of being potentially involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil—a claim New Delhi dismissed as “absurd.”

Relations further deteriorated when Ottawa linked several Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, to Nijjar’s murder. In response, India withdrew Verma and five other diplomats in October 2024, and expelled a similar number of Canadian diplomats from New Delhi.

In recent months, however, both nations have resumed security-level talks and are considering appointing new high commissioners, signaling tentative steps toward normalization. India had long accused Trudeau’s administration of turning a blind eye to pro-Khalistani activities in Canada. Following his exit, India expressed hope for renewed ties grounded in “mutual trust and sensitivity.”

Commenting on the matter earlier this year, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that relations had worsened due to Canada’s tolerance of extremist and separatist elements within its borders.