Title: Canada Links Trade Talks with India to Diplomatic Restoration

OTTAWA - Canada will not resume trade discussions with India until New Delhi reinstates the full complement of Canadian diplomats, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated on Tuesday. "The approach that we are following is a step-by-step approach, to be prudent along the way," Anand said during a video conference from Mumbai, marking two years since India required Ottawa to withdraw most of its envoys.

Anand's remarks followed her meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior officials on Monday. She became the first Canadian cabinet minister to visit India since diplomatic relations deteriorated in 2023. During her visit, both countries signed a statement outlining areas for potential cooperation, including trade and artificial intelligence.

The diplomatic rift began last fall when Canada and India expelled each other's senior diplomats after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) accused New Delhi of involvement in a network linked to domestic violence and extortion. In September 2023, the Canadian government alleged that India played a role in the assassination of a Sikh activist near Vancouver earlier that year.

Anand emphasized that restoring diplomatic relations will be a gradual process. She noted that Canada must first see its diplomatic presence fully restored before considering a trade mission or reviving discussions on a potential trade deal, which have fluctuated since 2010. "It means first and foremost, ensuring that the consular and the diplomatic positions are filled … That means that law enforcement will (hold) dialogue across the two countries," she explained. "This is not the time to start these (trade deal) conversations without progress on the other issues."

In October 2023, Canada withdrew most of its diplomats from India after New Delhi threatened to revoke diplomatic immunity for 41 Canadians and their dependents. Both nations appointed new high commissioners in August. A spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada declined to comment on the current number of accredited Canadian diplomats in India.

Anand discussed the restoration of Canada’s diplomatic presence with her Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. "We both agreed that we would staff up as we had been before, in order to service our respective populations," she said. She added that it is crucial to ensure resources are available for visa processing and travel between the two countries.

Anand also highlighted that ongoing security discussions are essential for enhancing trade relations. Canadian officials indicated that these talks are addressing concerns about transnational repression while avoiding inflammatory rhetoric. The World Sikh Organization of Canada expressed concern that the joint statement between Canada and India did not provide assurances against foreign interference or transnational repression.

When asked about these issues, including Sikh separatists in Canada planning an unofficial referendum for a Sikh state, Anand refrained from detailing her conversation with Modi but confirmed he did not mention the referendum. "I raised, at all points, issues relating to transnational repression, issues relating to the safety and security of every Canadian citizen and the importance of an independent legal investigation," she stated.

A recent Angus Reid Institute poll indicated that half of Canadians believe restoring diplomatic ties with India is the right move, while 27 percent were uncertain and 22 percent opposed. The survey also found that 38 percent of Canadians view India as a suitable trade partner, while 34 percent wish for reduced trade with India.

Before concluding her visit, Anand met with Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal, who described their discussion as productive. Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu noted potential collaboration in clean technology, agriculture, and critical minerals. Goyal emphasized that trade and investment should be based on mutual respect, trust, and balance.

Anand is scheduled to travel to Singapore later this week to discuss trade agreements with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Although both sides aimed to finalize a deal this year, Anand's office now targets completion of negotiations by 2026. Following Singapore, Anand will visit China to meet with her counterpart, Wang Yi, as part of efforts to enhance communication between the two countries.