Toronto ( Rajeev Sharma): Canada and India are set to reset strained bilateral ties as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares to visit India in the coming weeks, ending more than two years of diplomatic friction. The visit comes as both countries seek to diversify trade partnerships amid rising U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump’s trade war.
India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, confirmed the visit will take place after India presents its federal budget on February 1. He said the renewed engagement signals a clear improvement in relations, noting that “trust is back in the system” and that both sides are working to recover lost diplomatic momentum.
Patnaik dismissed past allegations that damaged ties, stating there is “no case against the Government of India” and describing the claims as baseless. He also pointed to a shift in Canada’s approach under Carney’s leadership, saying the new prime minister is changing how Canada conducts its foreign relations.
Carney’s trip follows an agreement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to restart talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), announced at the G20 Summit last November. Both countries face significant U.S. tariffs, with India hit by duties of up to 50 per cent, making closer economic cooperation increasingly important.
Trade discussions are expected to focus on priority sectors including energy, agri-food, fertilizers, innovation, aerospace, and defence. While a final deal this year may be ambitious, Patnaik said meaningful progress toward signing would be a strong outcome.
The visit builds on recent and upcoming ministerial missions between the two countries and forms part of a broader effort by Carney to reset Canada’s global trade relationships, including parallel outreach to China, as Ottawa looks to reduce reliance on the U.S. market.
