A New Chapter Begins: Modi Extends Hand of Friendship
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first global leaders to extend congratulations to Mark Carney, the newly re-elected Prime Minister of Canada. In a message of goodwill posted shortly after the election results were declared, Modi underscored India and Canada’s “shared democratic values, steadfast commitment to the rule of law, and vibrant people-to-people ties.”
Modi expressed hope for “unlocking greater opportunities” between the two countries and emphasized the importance of working together to rebuild and strengthen the bilateral relationship that has faced severe strain in recent years.
This diplomatic outreach marks India's first formal gesture toward Canada since ties between the two countries deteriorated sharply during the tenure of outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Troubled Ties Under the Trudeau Era
India-Canada relations hit a historic low under the Trudeau administration. The primary source of friction stemmed from Trudeau’s perceived leniency toward extremist elements within Canada advocating for Khalistani separatism—a movement India considers a direct threat to its national unity.
Despite repeated warnings from New Delhi, Trudeau's government failed to curb the activities of radical groups that openly targeted Indian diplomatic personnel and glorified violence against the Indian state. The breaking point came when Canadian authorities linked Indian diplomats to the killing of a pro-Khalistan figure, a claim India strongly denied.
In a swift retaliatory exchange, both countries expelled senior diplomats, and the Indian government suspended visa services for Canadian citizens temporarily. Trade talks were halted, and cultural and academic exchanges were quietly shelved. What was once a warm bilateral relationship, buoyed by a strong diaspora connection, turned into an icy standoff.
New Leadership, New Possibilities
Mark Carney’s election presents an opportunity to reverse course. A former central banker and political moderate, Carney has signaled a more pragmatic approach to foreign policy. During his campaign, he stated unequivocally that India is “an important ally” and committed to “repairing the relationship” should he win the mandate.
His Liberal Party, now on the verge of securing a majority government, is no longer dependent on coalition support from the New Democratic Party (NDP), whose former leader Jagmeet Singh was frequently criticized in India for promoting pro-Khalistani rhetoric. Singh, who faced a humiliating personal and political defeat in British Columbia, resigned as NDP leader following the party’s dramatic fall to single-digit seats.
This shift in Canada’s internal political dynamics offers Carney a clearer runway to pursue a foreign policy that’s less beholden to fringe political influences and more focused on restoring Canada’s global credibility.
Strategic and Economic Stakes: What’s at Play
A reset in India-Canada relations would bring strategic and economic benefits to both nations. Canada is a key source of energy, education, and investment, while India represents a vast market and a rising geopolitical player. Trade negotiations, frozen under the Trudeau government, could be revived under Carney’s leadership, especially with growing interest in diversifying economic ties beyond China.
There is also growing recognition within Canadian policy circles that alienating India has harmed its diplomatic and economic standing in the Indo-Pacific—a region where New Delhi plays a pivotal role. For India, mending ties with Ottawa can help build broader Western coalitions amid shifting global alliances.
Modi’s swift congratulatory note serves as both an olive branch and a signal: India is ready to move forward, but only with a Canada that respects its sovereignty and security concerns.
A Chance for Realignment and Reconciliation
As Mark Carney prepares to formalize his new mandate, he inherits both an opportunity and a responsibility. He must address the domestic political fractures within Canada that have spilled into its international relations. The Khalistan issue may no longer hold political currency, but its diplomatic damage lingers.
Prime Minister Modi’s outreach reflects a cautious optimism—one rooted in the potential of shared democratic values but mindful of past grievances. The Carney era offers a unique moment to recalibrate India-Canada relations, moving them from ideological entrenchment toward practical collaboration.
For both leaders, the coming months will be crucial. Their ability to navigate sensitive political terrains and rebuild trust will determine whether this renewed partnership merely sounds promising—or actually delivers.
(With inputs from agencies)
