Canada's PM-Designate Mark Carney Vows To Rebuild Strained Ties With India

Canada's Prime Minister-designate Mark Carney has pledged to "rebuild" ties with India, which deteriorated under outgoing leader Justin Trudeau. The 59-year-old former central banker also aims to diversify Ottawa’s trade relations with New Delhi, according to PTI.

Carney secured 85.9% of votes in the Liberal Party leadership race, replacing Trudeau as the country’s top leader. Speaking in Calgary before his election, he addressed US tariff challenges and emphasised the need for Canada to strengthen trade with 'like-minded countries' like India.

"There needs to be a shared sense of values around that commercial relationship, and if I am Prime Minister, I look forward to the opportunity to build that," Carney stated.

A former chief of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, Carney also headed Brookfield Asset Management, which has invested in India’s realty, renewable energy, and infrastructure sectors.

Any Canadian effort to mend ties is likely to be welcomed by New Delhi, especially amid US tariff threats. India may also push Ottawa on immigration and visa restrictions, given Canada’s popularity as a destination for Indian migrants.

India-Canada ties hit an all-time low after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in September 2023 that Indian agents were involved in the June 18 killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi repeatedly dismissed the claims as "baseless." The diplomatic fallout led both nations to expel each other's top envoys.

Amid the tensions, Ottawa also paused negotiations on the Early Progress Trade Agreement, which was set to be finalised in 2023, further straining bilateral relations.