India and Canada restore diplomatic ties after Sikh separatist killing allegations

India and Canada have recently signaled a restoration of bilateral relations, marked by an agreement to reestablish diplomatic services in each other's capitals after a two-year period of tensions. This agreement was reached during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit held in Kananaskis, Alberta. The relationship had been strained following accusations from Ottawa asserting that New Delhi was involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, in June 2023, thus leading to diplomatic expulsions and the suspension of various services between the two countries. Nijjar was a prominent advocate for a Sikh homeland in India, known as Khalistan, which is deemed a terrorist movement by the Indian government. His murder close to a Sikh temple near Vancouver sparked outrage and serious allegations against India. The situation escalated when Canadian officials claimed they had credible evidence linking India to Nijjar's assassination, which Indian officials vehemently denied, labeling the charges as absurd. The accusations resulted in tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats, further straining relations, as India expressed concerns over Sikh separatists that operate within Canada. Despite the historical tensions, Modi and Carney's recent discussions included a commitment to cooperation in various sectors, including technology, food security, and critical minerals. Both leaders emphasized the importance of a relationship grounded in mutual respect and territorial sovereignty. This newfound agreement to restore high commissions is seen as a critical step toward rebuilding trust and fostering improved ties in the wake of previous accusations and diplomatic fallouts. The previous engagement between the two countries was marked by silence over the serious allegations, with neither leader openly addressing the Nijjar case during their meeting. Instead, they opted to discuss future cooperation and engagement, reflecting a desire to move past the tensions of the past two years. With the resumption of diplomatic services, both countries aim to enhance the relationship and address core issues without the specter of past grievances hindering progress.