Canada-India Relations: A New Chapter with PM Mark Carney's Visit
Strengthening Ties Between Canada and India
The recent tensions between Canada and India appear to be easing. Following the assassination of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023, relations between the two nations deteriorated sharply. At that time, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in Parliament that Indian agencies might have been involved in the incident. India firmly rejected these accusations, labeling them as 'baseless and absurd.' The fallout led to both countries expelling diplomats, disrupting visa services, and halting trade negotiations. India consistently expressed concerns over the freedom granted to Khalistani elements in Canada, which deepened the trust deficit. However, 2026 seems to signal a shift in this narrative.
Ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to India starting February 26, significant signals have emerged from Canada. Carney is set to meet with business leaders in Mumbai before engaging in crucial discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Notably, just before this trip, Canada has shown a marked change in its stance. According to a report from a local media outlet, a senior Canadian official indicated that they now believe the previously alleged activities are no longer occurring. The official stated, 'There is ongoing communication between national security advisors and law enforcement agencies, and we believe such activities have ceased.' Another official emphasized that if the situation had remained the same, this high-level visit would not have been possible.
The Canadian Prime Minister's office has clarified that while the country will continue to address transnational crime and security issues on its soil, cooperation with India on security and law enforcement is being reinstated. This indicates a shift from confrontation to dialogue and collaboration.
The Carney administration is referring to this shift as a 'pragmatic reset.' Efforts to normalize relations began after Trudeau's departure from office. In 2025, both nations reinstated high commissioners and resumed security dialogues. Canada aims to strengthen its partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. By 2024, trade between India and Canada had reached $30.8 billion, with aspirations to increase this to $70 billion by 2030 through the CEPA agreement. Major deals are anticipated in sectors such as energy, nuclear, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and defense.
However, some voices of dissent remain. Leaders from the Sikh community in Canada have expressed dissatisfaction with this new approach. Religious leader Moninder Singh from British Columbia stated that he received multiple security warnings following Nijjar's assassination and views this diplomatic shift as a 'betrayal.' Meanwhile, Canada's Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu asserts that the country can balance its domestic security with international economic interests. Overall, the long-standing bitterness between India and Canada seems to be gradually diminishing, and Carney's visit is seen as a new beginning for their relationship. The coming days will reveal whether this change leads to lasting friendship or remains confined to diplomatic niceties.