Anand, Jaishankar Hold First Talks Amid Hopes for Canada-India Rapprochement

Signs of a diplomatic thaw emerged today as Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand and India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation, with both sides highlighting a shared desire to strengthen bilateral ties.

The call, publicly acknowledged by both ministers on social media, marks a potentially important shift in Canada-India relations, which have faced significant strain over the past year.

“Thank you Minister @DrSJaishankar for the productive discussion today on strengthening Canada–India ties, deepening our economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities,” Anand posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I look forward to continuing our work together.”

Thank you Minister @DrSJaishankar for the productive discussion today on strengthening Canada–India ties, deepening our economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities. I look forward to continuing our work together. pic.twitter.com/GZqgANEIVi

— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) May 25, 2025

Jaishankar echoed the sentiment in his own post, saying: “Appreciate the telecon with FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada. Discussed the prospects of India-Canada ties. Wished her a very successful tenure.”

Appreciate the telecon with FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada.

Discussed the prospects of India-Canada ties.

Wished her a very successful tenure.

🇮🇳 🇨🇦

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 25, 2025

While the public readouts on X remained brief, the conversation suggests a step forward following months of diplomatic tension. Relations between Ottawa and New Delhi sharply deteriorated in late 2023 after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, on Canadian soil — a claim strongly rejected by the Indian government.

In the months that followed, both countries expelled diplomats, halted trade talks, and paused collaborative efforts, including security cooperation. Since then, quiet backchannel diplomacy and changes in leadership may be creating space for a reset.

Anand, appointed as Canada’s Foreign Minister in May 2025 under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new government, has emphasized rebuilding trust and re-engaging with global partners, including India, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a key player in the Indo-Pacific region. Analysts say her call with Jaishankar is a calculated move to reopen dialogue without ignoring the tensions.

Economic cooperation remains a key mutual interest. In 2022, bilateral trade between the two nations surpassed CAD $12 billion, with significant growth potential in sectors like clean energy, technology, and education.

Though no major announcements were made, today’s exchange signals an interest from both capitals to turn the page or at least reopen the book on a critical yet complicated partnership.