India, Canada to restore High Commissioners for the 1st time since 2023 after Modi-Carney hit diplomatic reset at G7
India, Canada to restore High Commissioners for the 1st time since 2023 after Modi-Carney hit diplomatic reset at G7
India and Canada have agreed to restore full diplomatic ties and appoint new high commissioners, marking a significant thaw in strained relations following months of tension in the sideline of G7 Leaders' Summit. A statement issued by the office of the Canadian Prime Minister said that Carney and Modi reaffirmed the importance of Canada-India ties based upon mutual respect, the rule of law, and a commitment to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
'The leaders agreed to designate new high commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries,' the statement said.
The two leaders also discussed strong and historic ties between the peoples, partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, and significant commercial links between Canada and India – including partnerships in economic growth, supply chains, and energy transformation.
Carney 'raised priorities on the G7 agenda, including transnational crime and repression, security, and the rules-based order,' the statement said adding that the leaders also discussed opportunities to deepen engagement in areas such as technology, the digital transition, food security, and critical minerals.
In 2023, Canada accused the Indian government of being involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a leader who supported a separate Khalistan. Because of this, Canada kicked out six Indian diplomats. India then responded by kicking out six Canadian diplomats. This caused a big problem between the two countries, stopping important meetings and discussions.
However, things seem to be improving. When Mark Carney became Canada's new Prime Minister in April, he met with India's Prime Minister Modi. PM Modi called their meeting 'excellent' and highlighted that both countries believe in democracy, freedom, and the rule of law . PM Modi also said he looks forward to working with PM Carney to strengthen the friendship between India and Canada.
PM Carney welcomed PM Modi to the G7 meeting, saying it was a 'great honor' to have India there. He said India's involvement shows how important the country and its leadership are globally, especially in dealing with issues like energy, AI, and fighting crime and terrorism across borders.
Canada is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas globally, comprising nearly 4.5 per cent of its population. This includes about 1.8 million Canadians of Indian origin, nearly 770,000 of whom are Sikh and nearly one million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), including students and skilled workers. In 2022, Indian students formed the largest cohort of international students in Canada, making up 41 per cent of the total. However, recent immigration tightening has affected their opportunities and impacted Canadian universities' financial health.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
Trump surprises by backing Chinese and Indian grads to stay and launch companies in the US
Trump calls for Chinese and Indian graduates to stay in US and launch companies President Donald Trump has taken an unexpectedly supportive stance toward international students, particularly from China and India, marking a shift from earlier hardline immigration policies. In a recent press briefing, Trump strongly advocated for allowing foreign graduates to remain in the US and contribute to its economy by launching businesses and working in major American companies. Trump stated that international students, especially those who complete four-year degrees in US institutions, should not be forced to leave the country. He emphasized that highly skilled students from China and India often return home to start successful companies, which could have been established in the US had the students been permitted to stay. A shift from earlier visa clampdowns This latest development signals a surprising reversal from prior policies targeting Chinese students. In the past, the Trump administration had called for stricter visa vetting and even paused new student visa appointments globally, including in China. Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed revoking visas for students allegedly linked to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying critical technologies. Despite these initiatives, Trump now appears to favor retaining foreign talent. During his press briefing, Trump said, 'I've always been in favor of students coming in from other countries. That includes China.' While he acknowledged the need for security vetting, he added, 'You have to watch students, but you have to watch other people also.' Foreign students seen as economic contributors Trump made it clear that allowing foreign graduates to stay and work aligns with US economic interests. He cited examples where companies like Apple were unable to hire top graduates due to visa limitations. 'If you get educated for four years, you're willing to get educated for four years... I'm also in favor of having them stay,' he said, suggesting that a US education should be a path to permanent contribution. As reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Trump pointed out that denying these students the opportunity to stay results in them building successful companies elsewhere. He said this pattern must change, adding, 'I think we'll probably end up doing something about that.' China and India lead in international student enrollment According to the US State Department, a total of 1.1 million foreign students were enrolled in US universities during the 2023–2024 academic year. Among them, India was the top contributor with 331,602 students, reflecting a 23 percent increase from the previous year. China followed with 277,398 students, marking a 4 percent decline. These two countries continue to represent the largest segments of the international student population in the US. While India has overtaken China as the top source of international students, Chinese nationals have historically dominated the numbers since 2009–2010. However, Chinese student enrollment has steadily declined since 2019–2020. Congress remains cautious despite White House shift Despite Trump's supportive comments, skepticism lingers in Congress. As reported by the SCMP, lawmakers continue to express concern over China's technological ambitions. Representative Bill Huizenga warned that Beijing is exploiting relationships with US universities to gain a technological edge. During a congressional hearing, he accused China of using 'state subsidies, forced tech transfers, economic espionage, chip smuggling,' and other means to dominate critical technologies. Officials from the Bureau of Industry and Security echoed these concerns, requesting a 133% increase in enforcement funding to prevent export control violations. As quoted by the SCMP, Undersecretary Jeffrey Kessler said, 'We could do a lot more with the additional resources... I'm concerned that many instances of wrongdoing go undetected.' Trump links student visas to trade diplomacy Trump has also tied the issue of student visas to broader trade negotiations with China. As reported by the SCMP, he said a trade deal was pending approval from President Xi Jinping and suggested that the agreement could include provisions supporting Chinese students in US institutions. While policy details remain unclear, Trump's remarks have introduced a new tone—one that positions international students not as risks, but as valuable contributors to America's innovation and economy. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
United News of India
35 minutes ago
- United News of India
PM Modi holds talks with UK PM, French President, Italian PM, Japanese PM on G7 sidelines
Kananaskis (Canada)/New Delhi, June 18 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held conversations with several world leaders on the sidelines of the G7 in Canada, including UK PM Keir Starmer, the President of France Emmanuel Macron, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba. He also held conversations with António Costa, President of the European Council, with Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and President Lula da Silva of Brazil, and with Australian PM Anthony Albanese. In posts on X, the PM spoke about his different meetings. On his meeting with the UK PM, he wrote: 'An exceptional conversation with Prime Minister Keir Starmer! India and UK ties are getting stronger, reflecting in the ground we've covered in areas like trade and commerce. We will keep working together to add even more momentum to this wonderful friendship.' On his meeting with French President Macron, he posted: 'It's always a delight to interact with my friend, President Emmanuel Macron and exchange perspectives on a wide range of issues. India and France will keep working closely for the betterment of our planet.' To Italian PM Giorgia Meloni's post saying 'Italy and India, linked by a great friendship', with a picture of the two leaders sharing a warm handshake and smile, the PM Modi responded, with: 'Fully agree with you, PM Giorgia Meloni. India's friendship with Italy will continue to get stronger, greatly benefitting our people!' On his talk with the Japanese PM Ishiba, he wrote: 'Insightful deliberations with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during the G7 Summit in Canada. India and Japan remain committed to further deepening bilateral ties across various sectors.' 'Productive conversation with Mr. António Costa, President of the European Council.' 'Fruitful discussion with President of the @EU_Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.' 'Outstanding conversations with two dear friends, President Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Lula of Brazil. 'We are unwavering in our commitment to speaking about issues that matter to the Global South. We are equally determined to do whatever it takes to build a better tomorrow for the coming generations!' 'Good to meet my friend, PM Albanese of Australia during the G7 Summit in Canada!' UNI RN
Hans India
36 minutes ago
- Hans India
CPM warns of ‘Emergency-like danger' to nation under Modi
VIJAYAWADA: CPM politburo member BV Raghavulu on Tuesday asserted that democracy and secularism in India face a threat greater than the Emergency period under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule, urging a united front to combat it. Speaking at a press conference at MB Vignana Kendram here, alongside politburo member U Vasuki and party State secretariat member Y Venkateswara Rao, Raghavulu outlined decisions made at a recent Central Committee meeting. He stated the party's resolve to inform the public about the true facts of the recent Pulwama terrorist attack and to explain the 'danger of Emergency-like conditions.' Raghavulu highlighted the need for public awareness regarding the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. He noted that while terrorists killed innocent civilians and India retaliated by destroying terrorist bases in Pakistan, President Donald Trump claimed he brokered a ceasefire between the two nations. The CPM demanded a special parliamentary session to reveal the facts, a request Raghavulu said the government refused. Raghavulu strongly criticised the Central government for allegedly aligning with American foreign policy and acting subserviently to Trump. He pointed out that the Indian government has not condemned the recent Israeli attack on Iran, despite India's friendly economic ties with Iran. He warned that a potential war would increase crude oil prices, already up by 10 per cent, harming India's economy. He stressed the need for global pressure on Israel to halt the conflict. Raghavulu accused the BJP-led Central government of supporting Israel and urged it to change its stance. He criticised the Indian government for attempting to equate the aggressors with the victims, suggesting its actions appear to cater to American interests and Trump's preferences. 'While claiming to be a 'Vishwaguru', it is acting as Trump's puppet,' he remarked. Raghavulu concluded by highlighting the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Emergency declaration on June 25, emphasising the need to inform the public about its dangers. He recalled the CPM's active role in fighting against the Emergency and how opposition parties united. He stated that just asthe nation was collectively saved from the Emergency then, today there is a need to protect secularism, democracy, and federalism from the 'danger of neo-fascist forces.'
