NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand, convened on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada, as both nations strive to mend their relationship following the diplomatic dispute regarding the assassination of a Sikh separatist in 2023. Both parties acknowledged the progress made in executing the new roadmap introduced during Anand’s visit to India last month; however, the Canadian minister emphasized the importance of the ongoing law enforcement dialogue between the two nations. India views this dialogue as crucial to curbing the anti-India activities of Khalistan separatists in Canada, while Ottawa considers it vital for ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. In an interview, Anand stated that Canadians have the right to feel safe and secure in their own country. “I appreciated the progress in the implementation of the New Roadmap 2025. I look forward to further rebuilding our bilateral partnership,” Jaishankar remarked following the meeting. India was one of the guest countries invited to participate in the G7 meeting held in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. After both sides issued a joint statement last month outlining a series of measures to normalize relations, including trade discussions, Canada’s Minister for International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, arrived in India to seek trade and investment opportunities. Nevertheless, Ottawa also asserts, as reiterated by Anand at a press event, that concerns regarding the rule of law and public safety are paramount in the progression of the relationship. Anand reflected on the joint statement that aimed to establish a constructive relationship founded on mutual respect for the rule of law and a dedication to upholding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Notably, Anand, who has emphasized that Canada will advance the relationship through a gradual approach, also stated that normalization will depend on the dialogue regarding law enforcement. “We are progressing the relationship step by step to ensure that we emphasize the significance of public safety and security for all Canadian citizens, above all else…it will be a systematic process, and it will not take place unless we can guarantee that this public safety dialogue persists,” Anand remarked during an interview with Canada’s CBC Radio. She was addressing a question about whether Canada could maintain a relationship with a nation accused of infringing upon its sovereignty.
