India and Canada restore relations through landmark nuclear energy agreement. Seven hours ago. Cheryl Ann Mollanand. Nadine Yousif, Reuters Senior Canada Reporter. India and Canada have unveiled numerous agreements, including a 10-year nuclear energy pact, following a meeting between their prime ministers in Delhi aimed at restoring relations strained by diplomatic disputes. Narendra Modi and Mark Carney also reached deals in fields like technology, critical minerals, space, defense, and education. Carney noted their commitment to finalizing a long-awaited free trade agreement by the end of 2026. Both nations seek to minimize their vulnerability to harsh US trade tariffs. Under Carney’s leadership, the two governments are working to mend relations strained by his predecessor’s claim that Delhi was involved in the 2023 assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. India strongly denied the accusation from Justin Trudeau. Trade and diplomatic ties nearly collapsed, with mutual expulsions of diplomats and suspensions of visa services. Canada is home to a large Indian expatriate community. However, since Carney assumed office last year, ties with India have been tentatively restored—bolstered by his administration’s assertion that India is not presently connected to violent crimes or threats on Canadian territory. That assertion has been challenged by some in Canada, including a Liberal MP from Carney’s own party and members of Canada’s Sikh diaspora, who claim they remain targets of Indian actions. Late last year, Canada’s intelligence agency identified India as one of the nations engaging in espionage and foreign interference within the country, alongside Russia, China, and Iran. On Monday, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service stated that its “threat assessment of the primary actors in foreign interference and espionage targeting Canada remains unchanged.” Foreign Minister Anita Anand has distanced herself from remarks by a high-ranking Canadian official claiming India had halted all foreign interference in Canada. “Those are not words I would personally choose,” she told reporters in Delhi following Carney’s Monday meeting with Modi. Still, Anand supported Canada’s choice to resume engagement with India, stating “we must hold these diplomatic discussions to achieve progress.” Carney has yet to address Canadian reporters since the start of his trip. His office canceled a scheduled news conference after the meeting with Modi, due to his packed schedule. The case involving four men accused in Nijjar’s killing remains pending in the courts. During talks in Delhi, both Carney and Modi highlighted the enduring India-Canada relationship, shared objectives, and strong people-to-people connections. “In civil nuclear energy, we have secured a landmark agreement for long-term uranium supply.”
