India-Canada reset: leaders push clean energy and AI collaboration at G7 summit

At the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, India and Canada took significant steps to reset their bilateral relationship, agreeing to reinstate High Commissioners and resume full diplomatic services.

This move comes after a period of strained ties following allegations by Canada that Indian agents were involved in the 2023 killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, which India has strongly denied.

"The Prime Ministers agreed to take calibrated steps to restore stability to this very important relationship," said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney also discussed stalled trade negotiations, agreeing to instruct officials to resume talks promptly.

Beyond diplomacy, the leaders explored collaboration in key sectors including clean energy, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, LNG, food security, critical minerals, higher education, mobility, and supply chain resilience.

Modi emphasized the importance of combating terrorism, stating, "For global peace and prosperity, our thought and policy must be clear – if any country supports terrorism, it will have to pay the price for it."

Despite ongoing sensitivities, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to mutual respect, rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The reset signals a thaw in relations after a turbulent period marked by accusations and diplomatic protests, including India's formal complaint over alleged Canadian surveillance of Indian diplomats.

Canadian PM Carney acknowledged the need for law enforcement cooperation while respecting judicial processes related to the Nijjar case.

This diplomatic breakthrough aims to restore stability and open avenues for enhanced cooperation between the two democracies.

Key quotes and stats:
- "The Prime Ministers agreed to take calibrated steps to restore stability to this very important relationship." – Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri
- "For global peace and prosperity, our thought and policy must be clear – if any country supports terrorism, it will have to pay the price for it." – PM Narendra Modi
- Nijjar, designated a terrorist by India's NIA, was killed outside a gurdwara on June 18, 2023.

This reset at the G7 Summit marks a pivotal moment in India-Canada relations, focusing on future collaboration in clean energy and AI while managing complex security and diplomatic challenges.

At the G7 Summit, India and Canada agreed to restore diplomatic ties by reinstating High Commissioners and advancing collaboration in clean energy and AI. Leaders Modi and Carney addressed stalled trade talks and committed to mutual respect despite tensions over the 2023 killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.