Did Modi, Carney Discuss Nijjar Issue? Here's What Canadian PM Says... | WATCH

Modi and Canada’s PM Carney agree to restore diplomatic ties after 20-month freeze; both nations to reappoint envoys as G7 sidelines spark breakthrough.

Modi and Carney Meet at G7 To Mend India-Canada Ties Amid Nijjar Row

Source : PTI

During a pivotal meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit on Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reached a consensus to restore diplomatic ties that had been strained for nearly 21 months. Both nations have committed to reinstating High Commissioners in each other’s capitals.

When asked if the Nijjar issue was raised during the meeting, Carney responded, "We talked about the need for not just dialogue but active cooperation between law enforcement agencies. It's crucial to tackle transnational repression. There is an ongoing judicial process, and I must be cautious about commenting further."

#WATCH | Kananaskis: On whether he mentioned the Nijjar case during his meeting with PM Modi, Canadian PM Mark Carney says, "We discussed the importance of having the law enforcement dialogue, not just dialogue, cooperation directly, the importance of addressing transnational… pic.twitter.com/jxMCGQB7sf

— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2025

PM Modi Emphasises Strong India-Canada Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his first visit to Canada in a decade, underscored the importance of the India-Canada partnership, calling it “extremely important” and advocating for win-win collaboration across diverse sectors. In a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Modi congratulated Carney on his recent electoral victory. “I’m confident that under your leadership, we can work together positively and take India-Canada relations to new heights,” he said.

Highlighting shared values, Modi added, “Both our nations stand for democracy. Together, we can not only strengthen democratic ideals but also contribute to the greater good of humanity. By optimally utilizing our combined resources, we can bring about global welfare.”

Diplomatic Ties to Be Restored

A major outcome of the Modi-Carney meeting was the agreement to fully restore diplomatic relations between India and Canada. The two countries will appoint new high commissioners, signaling a significant step towards normalizing ties after months of diplomatic strain. According to a statement from the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office, both leaders committed to resuming regular consular and diplomatic services, and reaffirmed their intent to strengthen bilateral engagement going forward.

The agreement marks a thaw in relations that had been tense since last year’s reciprocal expulsions of diplomats.

Who Was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a Khalistani movement supporter based in Canada, who was shot and killed on June 18, 2023, in Surrey, British Columbia. . He was associated with Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the banned separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Nijjar’s killing led to a sharp decline in diplomatic relations between Canada and India after Canada alleged Indian involvement—claims that India dismissed as "absurd" and "politically motivated." Both Nijjar and Pannun have been officially designated as terrorists by the Indian government.

Residing in Canada, Nijjar led the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), which India describes as a militant organization focused on reviving terrorism in Punjab. Prior to heading the KTF, he was allegedly linked with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Indian authorities accused him of organizing an arms training camp in British Columbia and being involved in multiple killings in India.

Nijjar's Role in Khalistan Advocacy in Canada

Originally from Jalandhar in Punjab, Nijjar emigrated to Canada in 1997 and initially worked as a plumber. He eventually settled in British Columbia, where he became an outspoken advocate for the Khalistan movement, which seeks to establish a separate Sikh homeland from Indian Punjab.

He became a Canadian citizen in 2007—the same year a bombing at a cinema in Punjab killed six people and injured many others. Indian authorities held him responsible for the attack. Although India repeatedly raised concerns about Nijjar with Canadian officials, he was never formally charged with any crimes.

In June 2024, on the first anniversary of his death, Canada’s House of Commons held a moment of silence in his memory.