Canada signals shift, says India not linked to violent crimes anymore
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 26, 2026
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Canada has announced a significant shift in its stance toward India, clarifying that it no longer believes India is linked to violent crimes on Canadian soil. This move signals a diplomatic thaw between the two nations ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming visit to India. The decision comes after months of strained relations following allegations tied to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia in 2023. Canada had previously accused Indian officials of involvement, leading to a diplomatic row that included reciprocal expulsion of diplomats and suspension of visa services.
According to senior Canadian officials, Ottawa is now confident that such alleged activities have ceased. This reassessment has been influenced by high-level security dialogues between the two countries. Officials emphasized that communication channels between national security advisers and law enforcement agencies remain active, and engagement with India is being pursued in a cautious, step-by-step manner. The shift reflects Canada’s broader strategy to stabilize relations with key global partners, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Toronto Star reported that Carney views this visit as part of an effort to expand cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, technology, and defense. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached $30.8 billion in 2024, and both sides are discussing the revival of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at doubling trade to $70 billion by 2030.
However, not all voices are supportive of this diplomatic reset. Some Sikh community leaders in Canada have expressed concerns, urging透明 investigations into past allegations even as relations improve. Moninder Singh, a religious leader in British Columbia, has raised safety concerns following threats he received since Nijjar’s killing. While Canadian officials insist on protecting communities at home, they also see international engagement with India as crucial for economic diversification in an uncertain global environment.
This shift marks a pragmatic approach by Canada to mend ties with India, despite lingering tensions. The move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region and bolster trade opportunities. As Carney prepares for his first trip to India since becoming Prime Minister, the focus will be on whether this new chapter can fully restore trust and collaboration between the two nations.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/26/2026