The closed-door discussion explored strategies to safeguard and strengthen India–Canada relations amid ongoing political sensitivities, particularly with the upcoming prosecution of Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder in the Canadian judicial system. Participants examined ways to build resilience in the bilateral relationship, ensuring that recent positive developments are not undermined, and identified potential confidence-building measures and diplomatic off-ramps to defuse tensions. The conversation also addressed the challenge of managing a tense and often polarized media narrative, with an emphasis on de-escalation and crafting a constructive roadmap for rebuilding trust. Media management strategies were considered as tools to shift public discourse toward cooperation rather than confrontation. Given that Canada is entering an election year, the discussion also focused on approaches to managing political sensitivities, including the possibility of planned high-level interactions to signal stability and intent. Finally, there was an emphasis on protecting the business and people-to-people ties from political disruptions, recognizing their importance as stabilizing pillars in the broader relationship.

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