Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The victory of Mark Carney and the Liberal Party in Canada’s federal elections has opened the door for a possible reset in India-Canada relations, which had hit a historic low under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Diplomatic Fallout Under Trudeau
India-Canada relations deteriorated sharply in 2023 following allegations by the Trudeau government implicating “Indian agents” in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Khalistani extremist. The diplomatic tensions escalated further with reciprocal expulsions of diplomats and suspension of trade negotiations, pushing ties to their worst phase in decades.
Carney’s Commitment To Rebuilding Ties
During his campaign, Mark Carney made it clear that rebuilding the relationship with India was a priority. Emphasizing the need for shared values in trade partnerships, he said, “There are opportunities to rebuild the relationship with India.” His approach signals a departure from Trudeau’s stance, suggesting a more pragmatic and cooperative engagement with New Delhi.
India’s Response To Carney’s Win
Prime Minister Narendra Modi promptly congratulated Carney on his election victory, expressing hope for stronger ties. Modi posted, “India and Canada are bound by shared democratic values and vibrant people-to-people ties. I look forward to strengthening our partnership.”
Impact On Indian Diaspora And Immigration
Despite political tensions under Trudeau, immigration from India to Canada remained robust. India continues to be one of the largest sources of immigrants to Canada, especially students and skilled professionals. Carney is expected to maintain this trend, focusing on skilled migration in sectors like technology, education, and healthcare.
Trade Talks Likely To Resume
The stalled Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) could see a revival. Bilateral services trade between India and Canada was worth CAD 13.49 billion in 2023, and sectors like AI, fintech, green energy, and higher education could witness renewed momentum under Carney’s leadership.
