In around mid 2023, Justin Trudeau accused Narendra Modi PM India of having direct links in assassination of Nijjar a Sikh activist in Canada. Both countries as a result of accusations withdrew high commissioners and senior staff as a result of which the general public suffered with long waits for visa and other services.
Until this day the CGI ( Counsel General India ) for Toronto has not been replaced by the Indian government.
The snail pace of developments in thaw relations can be ascertained with the most recent meeting between Anita Anand– Foreign Minister Canada with his counterpart Foreign Minister of India Jaishankar on the sidelines of G7 summit in Nov 2025 at Niagara Region.
Looks, both countries were not interested in the interest of public as both had an amazing option to use Patrick Brown Mayor Brampton in public interest.
The depth of relationship Patrick enjoys with Indian diaspora can be ascertained by simple fact that city of Brampton, which has a majority of Sikh population is represented by a Canadian Patrick Brown. Patrick has a good proven record as a leader of conservatives for Ontario.
What not very many know is that the personal rapport what Patrick enjoys with Narendra Modi, doubt any other politician from Canada does. Narendra Modi, himself has publicly addressed him as “ brother “ “Patrick Bhai “ and shared personal contacts with Patrick. Further Modi had named Patrick Brown as “ honorary citizen of Gujarat” while he was chief minister of Gujarat.
This should have been the best catalyst to improve relations as the relationship between both countries went sour because of a Sikh community member and there was / is no one better presently in canada than Mayor Brampton to remedy.
It wouldn’t have been a cake walk for Mayor Brampton as he was walking on a tight rope with sharp edges on both sides. Brown was accused of making comments critical of certain Indian government policies relating to citizenship or religious issues.
I have had opportunity to coordinate with Patrick Brown for over 10 years and value his caliber to negotiate in difficult terrain.
India is one of the fastest growing economies presently and with Canada on a very weak wicket specially with US treating step motherly an early resolution using a seasoned politician with personal relationships would be the need of hour.
CK Sharma
editor-in-chief
Toronto