India-Canada ties have historically been characterized by mutual respect and cooperation, but the relationship has seen fluctuations. Diplomatic ties were established in 1947, and over the years, the countries have collaborated in trade, education, technology, and defense.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India-Canada bilateral ties are underpinned by shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties.
Canada is home to a large Indian diaspora, contributing to stronger cultural and people-to-people ties. Both nations share membership in international forums like the UN and G20, often working together on global challenges like climate change.
However, relations have faced tensions, particularly over issues related to the Indian diaspora's political activities, such as the pro-Khalistan movement in Canada. This has been a point of contention for India, which views such activities as threats to its sovereignty. In recent years, there have been diplomatic strains, especially regarding human rights concerns and divergent foreign policy priorities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to the United States in December to attend the G20 Leaders Summit hosted by US President Donald Trump at Florida. PM Modi is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the summit. Following the US visit, the Prime Minister will undertake a bilateral visit to Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the upcoming visit, calling diplomatic and economic ties with India exceptionally important as both democracies explore deeper cooperation in energy resources, trade, and strategic partnerships.
India and Canada are moving towards finalising a landmark bilateral trade deal by December, aiming to achieve a 70 billion dollar push in trade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada around the middle of December, coinciding with the G20 Summit timeline to conclude the negotiations. The proposed agreement marks a reset in bilateral ties, shifting focus towards energy cooperation, defence, talent mobility, and market diversification. The two nations are seeking to move past previous diplomatic friction over the Nijjar issue to build a stronger economic partnership. Discussions highlight Canada's interest in supplying energy resources like oil and uranium to India's expanding market of 1.5 billion people. However, key challenges remain, including internal resource extraction regulations in Canada and bureaucratic hurdles in India. The potential pact follows several major trade agreements signed by India since 2021, presenting a new chapter of economic collaboration between both democracies.
The US House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, granting President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on nations purchasing Russian oil and gas. The move directly exposes major buyers like India and China, following the recent BRICS Summit in New Delhi where leaders opposed unilateral coercive measures. Russian crude accounted for 30.3% of India's oil imports in fiscal 2026, making energy security vital for the nation. Simultaneously, rising tensions between Washington and Ottawa have led Canada to explore unprecedented associate membership with the European Union to diversify trade and strategic partnerships beyond North America. Additionally, social media rumours regarding Chinese President Xi Jinping suffering a medical emergency in New Delhi were debunked, while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf prepares for its planned march to Islamabad amidst heightened administrative security.
The US House of Representatives has passed legislation allowing President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, sending the bill to Trump's desk. The proposed measures could directly affect India, where Russian crude accounted for 30.3% of oil imports in fiscal 2026, valued at nearly $41 billion. In July, Russia supplied more crude to India than the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Brazil, Oman, and the United States combined. New Delhi has stated it is monitoring developments while maintaining its focus on energy security. Sourcing replacement crude from alternative markets could result in changes to shipping distances, freight charges, insurance costs, and procurement prices. The development introduces fresh complexities into bilateral trade discussions between India and the United States, raising questions about potential tariff categories and broader strategic alignments amidst shifting global partnerships.
Speaking on the RSS centenary global outreach, Dr. Bharat Barai, chairman of the US-India Community Foundation, highlighted Mohan Bhagwat's addresses in the United States and Canada. Barai affirmed, 'RSS is a cultural and civilization service-oriented organization. It's not a religious organization,' clarifying that temple matters remain with the VHP. He noted that the diaspora has felt energized by the call for Hindus to become model citizens and serve their communities. Addressing criticism from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Barai dismissed the objections as political grandstanding. He reiterated the civilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, emphasizing that true Indian philosophy views the entire world as one family.
An address by the RSS chief at Madison Square Garden in New York marked part of a global outreach celebrating the centenary of the RSS, with planned visits to Canada and the United Kingdom. The event, titled Universal Oneness Celebration, drew about 5,000 Indian-American attendees and featured cultural performances, food distribution, and discussions centered on unity, harmony, and multi-faith tolerance. During the speech, the RSS chief stated that Hindu Rashtra does not mean driving Muslims out of India and described Hindutva as a cultural idea that does not exclude any community, asserting that public opinion brings change rather than political power. The event drew mixed reactions, generating opposition and protests outside the venue. The mayor of New York criticized the RSS as an exclusionary organization, while protesters outside labeled the address a political stunt. Similar opposing sentiments are brewing in Canada ahead of the next leg of the tour.
An interfaith convention in New York featured a keynote address by the RSS chief emphasizing unity, diversity, and inclusion. Addressing the gathering organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue as part of the Universal Oneness celebrations, the leadership highlighted that the core philosophy of Hinduism embraces everyone and does not exclude Muslims. The address aimed to dispel ongoing controversies and narratives surrounding an exclusionary vision, particularly following criticism from local political leadership. Outside the venue, demonstrators gathered to protest against the organization's historical track record, alleging concerns regarding minority rights in India. Simultaneously, supporters assembled in large numbers for the cultural and interfaith programs scheduled across the three-nation international tour covering the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The event showcased musical and artistic performances reflecting harmony, while the organizational leadership reiterated the principle that treating all paths with dignity remains central to society, ahead of a major address planned at Madison Square Garden.
The Indian Overseas Congress chief for the United States of America and Canada has called on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to embrace the founding principles of India. Speaking amidst the visit of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat to New York, the representative stated that India belongs to all communities including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Dalits. The remarks emphasized eliminating the caste system, ending discrimination, respecting women, providing free education and healthcare, and upholding equality, justice, non-violence, and liberty as fundamental national values.
A leaked audio clip circulating on social media features fugitive gangster Goldy Brar claiming responsibility for the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, attributing it to gang rivalry and drug networks. In an interview on News Track with Marya Shakil, former Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Verma stated that if verified, the tape vindicates India's stance that Nijjar's death was tied to gang conflict rather than state action. Verma said Canada owes an official apology to India, its leadership, and diplomats who were falsely accused and declared persona non grata under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Former Canadian Minister Ujjal Dosanjh noted that the tape highlights the nexus between Khalistani elements and organized crime, adding that ties between Ottawa and New Delhi are now improving under Mark Carney. Both guests emphasized the need for stronger intelligence sharing and transparency regarding original allegations.
In an interview, Sanjay Verma, former Indian High Commissioner to Canada, commented on a leaked audio recording where gangster Goldy Brar allegedly linked the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar to gang rivalry over drugs and weapons. Verma stated that if verified, the tape confirms India's long-standing position that Nijjar's death was a result of gang rivalry rather than state action. He highlighted that Indian intelligence agencies had accurately profiled criminal networks and shared information under UAPA terror listings prior to the incident. Commenting on diplomatic relations, Verma asserted, "Canada owes an apology to India," adding that Canadian authorities acted hastily without basing claims on facts. He emphasized the need for increased intelligence cooperation, information sharing, and a formal course correction by Ottawa to restore trust between both nations.
In an interview, Ujjal Dosanjh, former Canadian Minister of Health and lawyer based in Vancouver, shared his views on the Nijjar killing and India-Canada diplomatic relations following leaked audio of Goldy Brar claiming responsibility. Dosanjh stated that the statement makes it clear some Khalistanis are part of gangs involved in drug and gun running, suggesting Nijjar "may have been killed as part of an internecine war amongst gangsters." Criticizing former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s handling of intelligence, Dosanjh said, "Mr. Trudeau was always more theatrical than real," and argued Trudeau mishandled the issue due to deep links with the Khalistani movement. He noted that official RCMP statements have indicated India may not be involved. Looking forward, Dosanjh expressed optimism about improving ties under Mark Carney and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing that Canada must draw a firm line against extremist rhetoric and violence rather than protecting it under freedom of expression.
In an interview, Sanjay Verma, former Indian High Commissioner to Canada, commented on a leaked audio recording where gangster Goldy Brar allegedly linked the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar to gang rivalry over drugs and weapons. Verma stated that if verified, the tape confirms India's long-standing position that Nijjar's death was a result of gang rivalry rather than state action. He highlighted that Indian intelligence agencies had accurately profiled criminal networks and shared information under UAPA terror listings prior to the incident. Commenting on diplomatic relations, Verma asserted, "Canada owes an apology to India," adding that Canadian authorities acted hastily without basing claims on facts. He emphasised the need for increased intelligence cooperation, information sharing, and a formal course correction by Ottawa to restore trust between both nations.
In a leaked audio clip, fugitive gangster Goldy Brar has claimed responsibility for the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, alleging Nijjar supported drug networks involving young people. The authenticity of the audio remains unverified. The development comes as India and Canada transition from diplomatic tensions during the Justin Trudeau administration toward a reset under Prime Minister Mark Carney. Canadian authorities recently stated they found no evidence linking Indian officials to Nijjar's death, while a US federal indictment previously linked jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Brar to criminal networks. Former Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma was recalled during the earlier diplomatic fallout.
A leaked audio clip has surfaced where Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar allegedly claims responsibility for the murder of wanted Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Brar, who is wanted in India for multiple murders including that of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, made the claim during a conversation with Khalistani terrorist Paramjit Singh Pamma. In the audio clip, Brar asserts that he killed Nijjar due to the latter's involvement in promoting drug abuse among young boys. While the authenticity of the audio recording is yet to be verified, the development comes amid ongoing discussion regarding Nijjar's killing outside a Surrey Gurudwara in 2023.
A purported audio clip of gangster Goldy Brar has surfaced in which he claims responsibility for the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, stating that it was the result of a transnational gang war. In the unverified recording, Brar alleges that Nijjar pushed minors into the drug trade. The development aligns with India's long-standing position that Nijjar's death was not a state-sponsored hit, but rather tied to gang rivalries operating across Canada and the United States. Reporter Anshul Singh notes that investigations carried out by Canadian agencies and the FBI into gang networks support this conclusion. India Today stated that it cannot independently vouch for the authenticity of the audio recording.
An unverified audio recording has surfaced in which gangster Goldy Brar claims that his gang killed Hardeep Singh Nijjar, contradicting Canada's assertions of Indian government involvement. In the leaked conversation, Brar alleges that Nijjar was involved in weapon and drug smuggling and exploited minors aged 16 and 17 for illicit activities. He states that the killing was the result of a transnational gang war rather than a state-sponsored action. India Today noted that it cannot independently verify the authenticity of the audio clip. The development directly counters Canadian allegations implicating Indian agencies in the killing, supporting India's stance that Nijjar's death was tied to gang rivalries. Security agency sources reportedly confirmed that the voice in the audio belongs to Goldy Brar in conversation with UK-based Khalistani operative Paramjit Singh Pamma.
A stabbing attack occurred at the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Edmonton, Canada, leaving two people injured during an early morning prayer session. A twenty-seven-year-old man armed with a screwdriver interrupted the five AM prayers and launched the attack before being taken into custody by Canadian police. The Edmonton police hate crime unit has initiated an investigation to determine the motive behind the incident, including whether anti-Sikh sentiment was involved. The Canadian Prime Minister condemned the gurdwara attack, stating that no one should feel in danger in their place of worship, while expressing solidarity with the injured and the Sikh community. Community members in Canada raised concerns over a rise in hate incidents, targeted threats against gurdwaras, and growing safety concerns for Sikhs and the broader Indian diaspora across Alberta and other regions.
This edition of Statecraft covers major global developments, starting with the potential reshaping of India-UK relations under new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The broadcast examines Burnham's history of prioritising ties with India and his appointment of Kanishka Narayan as the minister for artificial intelligence.
From campus politics in Punjab to an alleged global criminal empire spanning India, Canada, the United States and beyond, this episode of Post Mortem traces the rise of Lawrence Bishnoi and other Punjab-origin crime syndicates.
In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, India's former High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, addressed the recent US indictment in the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case, which did not name the Indian government.
