Canada and India will reportedly engage in the sharing of intelligence aimed at addressing the growing challenges posed by international crime and extremism.

This decision emerges ahead of a crucial meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, set to take place during the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta.

The proposed intelligence-sharing arrangement, pending official confirmation, signifies a notable change in the diplomatic relations between Canada and India, which have been strained for nearly two years.

This tension escalated following Canadian federal police allegations that India was involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist, within Canada.

Under the new agreement, law enforcement agencies from both nations would enhance collaborative efforts to investigate and mitigate incidences related to transnational crime, terrorism, and extremist activities.

Reports suggest that Canada has advocated for a focus on investigating cases of extrajudicial killings.

Earlier in September 2023, Prime Minister Carney faced scrutiny for inviting Modi to the G7 summit, particularly following the assertion by Canada’s federal police that the assassination of Nijjar was orchestrated by high-ranking officials within the Indian government.

Carney noted that a significant legal process is already in motion in Canada regarding the murder case, which has led to charges against four Indian nationals residing in Canada.

Carney emphasized India’s global economic status as a substantial factor in diplomatic engagement, noting its position as the fifth largest economy and the most populous nation, vital to global supply chains.

However, this invitation has raised concerns among Canadian lawmakers, particularly within British Columbia, where Nijjar was killed.

Sukh Dhaliwal, a member of Carney’s Liberal caucus, publicly expressed his discontent regarding the invitation, underscoring Canada's commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

The diplomatic feud between Canada and India intensified after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being responsible for Nijjar’s high-profile assassination.

In response, both countries took measures against each other’s diplomatic personnel, with Canada expelling six Indian diplomats and India retaliating by expelling six Canadian diplomats.

Trudeau highlighted the severity of the situation by stating that India's actions constituted a violation of Canada’s sovereignty.

He stated he did not wish to damage the vital bilateral relationship but felt compelled to act following the confirmed threats to Canadian security.

In a related context, the tensions were further underscored by reports suggesting that an individual with links to the Indian government was monitoring Jagmeet Singh, a Canadian politician and former leader of the New Democratic Party.

Following credible threats to Singh’s safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police placed him under protection.

In response to these developments, Balpreet Singh, a representative of the World Sikh Organization, labeled India's actions regarding Canadian politicians as unprecedented, characterizing them as an act of war in terms of interference on Canadian territory.