Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting India this week on his first official trip to the country, aiming to rebuild diplomatic relations and diversify trade away from the United States. Carney’s visit to Mumbai follows his departure from Ottawa on Thursday and comes as part of a broader diplomatic itinerary that includes stops in Australia and Japan next week.
Relations between Canada and India have faced significant challenges, particularly following allegations made by the previous Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India’s involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hareep Singh Nijjar in September 2023. This claim, which India has strongly denied, has led to diplomatic tensions and accusations of targeted harassment of Sikh activists in Canada.
Renewed Focus on Trade and Diplomacy
Carney’s visit is seen as a strategic move to enhance Canada’s international relationships, particularly as U.S. President Donald Trump has been perceived as a threat to Canadian sovereignty and economic stability. Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University, remarked that Trump’s policies are driving Canada to seek trade relationships beyond the U.S., including with countries like India and China.
In 2024, India emerged as Canada’s seventh-largest trading partner, and Carney has set an ambitious goal for Canada to double its non-U.S. exports within the next decade. This goal comes in response to U.S. tariffs that have affected Canadian investments and trade. Notably, Trump has threatened a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada, further intensifying the need for Canada to establish stronger ties with other nations.
Carney’s predecessor, Trudeau, had previously indicated that diplomatic relations were strained due to serious allegations against Indian officials, which included claims that they were involved in organized crime efforts against Sikh activists in Canada. This deterioration in relations prompted the restoration of diplomatic services between the two nations last year.
Community Perspectives and Future Implications
Reactions to Carney’s approach have been mixed. Representatives from the Sikh community have expressed disappointment, characterizing the government’s strategy as a form of “capitulation.” Danish Singh, President of the World Sikh Organization of Canada, criticized the government’s handling of the situation, stating, “We cannot accept that this problem has been solved” while harassment of activists continues.
Political scientist Nelson Wiseman from the University of Toronto noted that Carney’s business-focused orientation marks a stark contrast to Trudeau’s previous approach. The Prime Minister’s visit is part of a larger strategy to stabilize and improve diplomatic relations with India, as both nations recognize the mutual benefits of collaboration in light of ongoing global economic pressures.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, Carney condemned the economic coercion exerted by powerful nations over smaller countries, emphasizing the importance of cordial relations with nations like India. His remarks resonated with many, as they highlight the necessity for Canada to forge stronger ties in an increasingly complex international landscape.
As Carney continues his diplomatic mission, both nations appear to have a vested interest in moving past previous tensions to foster a more cooperative relationship that could yield significant economic benefits. The outcome of this visit remains to be seen, but the stakes are undoubtedly high for both Canada and India, as they navigate their respective challenges on the global stage.
