EAM Jaishankar Speaks with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Discusses Bilateral Ties
New Delhi, May 26:
India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar held his first telephonic conversation with newly appointed Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance economic cooperation between India and Canada.
Anita Anand announced the call on Sunday via her official account on X (formerly Twitter), thanking EAM Jaishankar for a “productive discussion” and expressing interest in working together on shared priorities.
“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,” Anand posted.
EAM Jaishankar confirmed the call shortly after, stating on X:
“Appreciate the telecon with FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada. Discussed the prospects of India-Canada ties. Wished her a very successful tenure.”
The conversation comes as Canada, under its new Prime Minister Mark Carney, aims to rebuild and improve its ties with India. Carney has emphasized stronger economic cooperation with New Delhi and is preparing to host the G7 Summit from June 15 to 17.
Anita Anand, 58, was recently appointed as Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in a Cabinet reshuffle following the Liberal Party's victory in the parliamentary elections. She previously held the Innovation, Science and Industry portfolio and has also served as Defence Minister. She replaced Mélanie Joly, who is now Canada’s Minister of Industry.
Earlier this month, EAM Jaishankar had congratulated Anand on her new role.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also congratulated Mark Carney on becoming the new Canadian Prime Minister, expressing hope for closer cooperation and stronger people-to-people ties between the two nations.
This renewed diplomatic outreach marks a potential reset in India-Canada relations, which had significantly deteriorated in 2023 under former PM Justin Trudeau. Relations worsened after Trudeau publicly accused India of involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil—an allegation New Delhi strongly denied as “absurd” and “politically motivated.”
The fallout led to both countries expelling senior diplomats, halting trade negotiations, and suspending high-level visits. India also accused Canada of allowing extremist elements to operate freely and failing to protect Indian diplomatic missions.
With Carney's new leadership and Anand's appointment, both nations appear to be exploring a path to normalize and possibly strengthen their bilateral ties.
