Appointment of Envoys Marks Thaw in India-Canada Ties: Vikas Swarup

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Former diplomat and author Vikas Swarup on Friday described the appointment of envoys by India and Canada as a significant signal of improvement in bilateral ties, following months of strained relations.

Speaking on the development, Swarup said the decision to name ambassadors marks the “first positive signal” that a thaw has begun between the two countries. He attributed the shift to the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Patrick Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada. “I think the two leaders had a very positive conversation,” Swarup noted.

At the same time, he acknowledged India’s continuing concerns over the activities of certain anti-India groups in Canada. “To the extent that the Canadian government is now more sensitive to our concerns and is willing to move forward... this is a welcome step,” he said.

Swarup added that Canada, grappling with the impact of U.S. tariffs imposed during the Trump era, also has an interest in diversifying its trade partnerships. In this context, he suggested that renewed engagement with India could benefit both sides.

“Once they (envoys) are in place, then the other processes, resumption of trade talks and other aspects of our relationship will start coming into play,” Swarup said, expressing optimism that the development could pave the way for a broader reset in ties.