Mark Carney India Visit Signals Canada Trade Reset
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in India on Saturday for a high-stakes visit. It aimed at rebuilding diplomatic ties with the world’s largest democracy, as Ottawa and New Delhi seek to reduce trade dependence on the United States. The Canadian leader began his trip in Mumbai, where he met with top business executives. He then heads to New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The visit marks a significant shift after relations deteriorated sharply in 2023, when former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India had denied the allegation repeatedly, while four men later faced charges in connection with the case, which remains before the courts. Now, both governments appear willing to move forward, even though the accusations still concern members of Canada’s Sikh community.
Trade Talks Take Centre Stage of Carney-Modi Meeting
Carney’s visit has focused primarily on advancing negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement that the two nations have discussed intermittently for over 15 years. Notably, Canada remains the only G7 country without a preferential trade pact with India. Consequently, officials on both sides see a renewed urgency, in between the growing economic pressure from the US tariff policies that is introduced by Trump.
Furthermore, Canadian officials stated ahead of the trip that Ottawa and Delhi are engaged in “robust” discussions on national security and foreign interference. They also noted that Canada does not believe that the Indian government is currently linked to any violent crimes or threats on Canadian soil. It added that they “probably would not be taking this trip” if that were the case.
However, Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal argued that the claim that India has no longer poses a threat is “disconnected from reality”. He added that this view overlooks the ongoing domestic sensitivities surrounding the issue.
Energy and Technology on the Agenda During Mark Carney’s India Visit
While a broader trade deal may take time, the two countries are expected to secure immediate agreements in the energy sector. In particular, India’s push to expand civilian nuclear capacity has created demand for reliable uranium supplies. As a result, officials are anticipate a 10-year uranium supply agreement during Carney’s visit.
In addition, negotiations are likely to cover increased exports of Canadian crude oil and natural gas to India. It aims to diversify its energy portfolio as it faces mounting pressure to curb imports from Russia. Carney’s office confirmed that discussions will also address cooperation in artificial intelligence, defense technologies, and talent mobility.
India-Canada Diplomatic Reset Amid US Tariffs and Global Shifts
Importantly, the visit reflects a broader geopolitical shift that has compelled middle powers to reassess alliances. Both India and Canada have faced steep US tariffs in recent years, which have disrupted export markets and energy trade flows.
Therefore, Carney described the current global environment as “in the midst of a rupture, not a transition”. He warned that “if you are not at the table, you are on the menu”.
For Modi, a diplomatic reset offers an economic and political gains at home, while also strengthening India’s position as a diversified trade partner. Ultimately, the rapid thaw in relations suggests that both leaders recognize the need for strategic cooperation in an increasingly uncertain global order.
Web Resources on India-Canada Ties
1. Reuters.com: Canada’s Carney visits India to boost trade
2. APNews.com: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visits India
3. AlJazeera.com: How Canada U-turned on India ahead of Carney visit