Ottawa/New Delhi, April 29, 2025 — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a message of congratulations to Canadian Liberal leader Mark Carney, shortly after it became clear that Carney was steering his party to a historic fourth consecutive term in office. Modi highlighted the deep people-to-people connections between the two nations and expressed optimism about “unlocking greater opportunities” in bilateral ties.
The gesture marks a potential thaw in India-Canada relations, which had deteriorated sharply under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau following his administration’s allegations against New Delhi in the 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India firmly rejected the claims as "absurd" and "politically motivated."
Carney, 60, a former central bank governor in both Canada and the United Kingdom, took the reins of the Liberal Party just months before the election, replacing Trudeau amid growing domestic dissatisfaction over the cost-of-living crisis. His campaign focused on restoring economic stability, defending national sovereignty, and strengthening international partnerships — with India emerging as a key diplomatic priority.
Describing the India-Canada partnership as "incredibly important," Carney pledged to rebuild trust and deepen collaboration between the two democracies. “There are strains on that relationship that we didn’t cause, to be clear,” he stated at a recent campaign event, “but there is a path forward to address those with mutual respect and to build out.”
Carney has avoided direct references to the Nijjar case but emphasized the need to foster a commercial relationship built on shared values. Speaking in Alberta last month, he noted, “Canada will be looking to diversify our trading relationships with like-minded countries, and there are opportunities to rebuild the relationship with India. If I’m Prime Minister, I look forward to that opportunity.”
His outreach to India comes at a time when Canada's foreign policy is under pressure, particularly in light of President Donald Trump’s escalating protectionist measures and threats to annex key North American territories. Carney has criticized Trump’s stance, stating in his victory address that Canada must assert its independence: “We will never allow Ottawa to become part of America in any way.”
A Fraught Diplomatic Past
Tensions between India and Canada have long simmered over the Khalistan issue, but they reached a breaking point in 2023 when Trudeau accused Indian operatives of involvement in Nijjar’s killing in British Columbia. The diplomatic fallout included mutual expulsions of top diplomats, suspension of trade talks, and a freeze on official engagements.
India, for its part, has repeatedly accused Canada of failing to address violent extremism and tolerating anti-India rhetoric on its soil.
However, shifting geopolitical dynamics may now be pushing both sides toward re-engagement. With Canada’s ties to the United States and China under increasing strain, India — as a major source of immigrants, skilled professionals, and a key Indo-Pacific partner — is once again coming into diplomatic focus.
As Carney prepares to assume office, the path appears open for a recalibrated India-Canada relationship, built on pragmatism, economic interest, and mutual respect.
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