Diplomatic Ties Renewed: Jeff David Appointed as Canada's Consul General in Mumbai

Canada has taken a significant step toward mending diplomatic relations with India by appointing Jeff David as the Consul General in Mumbai. This marks the first diplomatic appointment to India since tensions flared between the two nations last year.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand made the announcement on Wednesday. David, a seasoned diplomat with experience in Afghanistan and China, will succeed Diedrah Kelly, who departed from India in 2023. His appointment follows a pivotal meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, in June.

Relations between the two countries soured after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in September 2023. India had dismissed these allegations, leading to the expulsion of Canadian diplomats. With Carney's leadership, both nations now seek to rebuild ties based on mutual trust and sensitivity.

(With inputs from agencies.)