Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting India on a crucial trip aimed at strengthening ties with the world’s largest democracy while reducing Canada’s reliance on the US for trade.
Carney started his visit in Mumbai, meeting with business leaders, before traveling to New Delhi for discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trip signals a major turnaround in relations after tensions arose in 2023 when Canada accused India of involvement in the extrajudicial killing of Canadian Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – an allegation India has repeatedly denied.
Canada now appears ready to prioritize pragmatic trade and economic interests, focusing on progress for a comprehensive free trade agreement that has been under discussion for over 15 years. Facing US tariffs, Ottawa is keen to diversify trade partners, and India presents a strategic opportunity.
Some members of Canada’s Sikh community remain concerned, warning that India may still target dissidents abroad. Officials, however, have stated that Canada does not currently consider India a threat to security on Canadian soil, and they emphasize ongoing “robust” discussions on national security and foreign interference.
Since taking office last year, Carney has pursued diplomatic overtures, including inviting Modi to the G7 summit in Alberta, hosting meetings between Canadian and Indian foreign ministers, and welcoming India’s national security advisor, Ajit Doval, to Ottawa.
Carney’s itinerary focuses on trade and business, with stops only in Mumbai and New Delhi. Unlike previous visits by Canadian leaders, he will not visit cultural sites or Punjab, signaling a concentrated effort on economic relations rather than domestic political messaging. Discussions will cover energy, technology, artificial intelligence, defence, and attracting talent to Canada. Tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump are also expected to be a key topic.
As the only G7 country without a preferential trade deal with India, Canada sees urgency in securing stronger economic ties. Analysts describe this as a delicate balancing act for Canada, while for Modi, the visit represents a potential win-win, boosting India’s global trade profile while deepening bilateral relations.
