In a major sign of improving relations, Canada has appointed a new diplomat to India—the first since a bitter diplomatic standoff erupted nearly two years ago. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced that diplomat Jeff David will replace Diedrah Kelly as Consul General in Mumbai, signaling a formal reset in bilateral ties.

This appointment comes after months of diplomatic freeze triggered by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations in 2023 that Indian officials were linked to violence against Khalistan separatists in Canada. The fallout led to both nations expelling key diplomatic personnel, bringing relations to a historic low.

Now, under the leadership of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, efforts to rebuild trust are gaining traction. During a face-to-face meeting at the G7 Summit in Alberta in June, Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to reappoint high commissioners and restore regular embassy operations. Both countries have already exchanged names for the top diplomatic roles.

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India’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the leaders discussed restarting senior-level engagement across multiple sectors, including plans to revive stalled free trade talks. While unresolved tensions—particularly over separatist extremism—remain, the Indian government described its approach as “calibrated,” indicating cautious optimism.

The move is also expected to ease visa delays and restore vital education and tourism links, key pillars of the India-Canada relationship.

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