How Mark Carney's Visit is Transforming Canada-India Relations

Mark Carney's recent visit to India marks a pivotal moment in Canada-India relations, as Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlights the potential for a complete reset of ties. Following strained relations due to past controversies, both nations are eager to establish new trade agreements and enhance collaboration across various sectors. With a significant business delegation accompanying Goyal, the focus is on tripling trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. This article delves into the implications of Carney's visit and the future of Canada-India partnerships.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 26, 2026, 10:49 IST

A New Era for Canada-India Relations

Ottawa: The recent trip of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to India has significantly contributed to revitalizing the relationship between Canada and India, according to Piyush Goyal, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, during his visit to Ottawa.

Relations had soured under Carney's predecessor following the controversial killing of a Sikh activist in Canada in 2023.

Goyal's comments came after a meeting with Canada's International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, where he highlighted the presence of over 100 senior business leaders from various sectors, marking what New Delhi claims is its largest business delegation to Canada.

"This partnership is being rapidly redefined," Goyal stated on Monday.

He noted that Carney's visit in late February, the first by a Canadian prime minister in eight years, has fundamentally altered the perspectives of both nations.

"It has initiated a complete transformation of our relationship, establishing new objectives and agendas," he added.

Since 2010, Canada and India have been engaged in trade negotiations, which were halted in 2023 after allegations surfaced that India was involved in the murder of Sikh activist Hareep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver in June.

India has strongly refuted these claims, accusing the previous Canadian government of supporting Sikh extremists associated with the Khalistan movement.

Before meeting Sidhu, Goyal expressed both nations' eagerness to finalize a free-trade agreement within the year.

During Carney's visit to India, he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resulting in several agreements, including a significant deal worth 2.6 billion Canadian dollars (approximately USD 1.9 billion) for the supply of uranium to India for nuclear energy production.

Earlier this month, a Canadian delegation visited New Delhi for trade discussions, and another Indian delegation is expected to return to Canada later this year to continue talks.

Goyal also mentioned that both countries aim to increase their trade volume to USD 50 billion by 2030.

In Ottawa, Goyal met with Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, and he is scheduled to engage with CEOs from major companies, start-ups, and pension funds.

Vina Nadjibulla, vice president of research and strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, noted that both nations are seeking to diversify their partnerships and lessen their reliance on the United States, which is increasingly viewed as an unreliable ally by some.

India has recently entered into trade agreements with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

"India is now shifting its focus towards Europe and other Western economies like Australia and Canada to fulfill its requirements for capital, technology, and innovation," Nadjibulla remarked.