Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that a reset in relations with India could be on the horizon if his government is re-elected on Monday. Speaking at a campaign event over the weekend, Carney described the Canada-India relationship as “incredibly important” across personal, economic, and strategic spheres.
Responding to a question from Y Media, Carney emphasized the depth of the connection between the two countries. While he refrained from directly mentioning the fallout over the killing of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, he noted that strained ties could be mended through “mutual respect and building forward.”
His remarks came against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions with the US under President Donald Trump, which have highlighted the need for Canada to diversify its global partnerships. Carney stressed that countries like India could play a key role in creating an “open, shared economy” amid global instability.
Campaigning in King City, Ontario, Carney framed repairing ties with India as a priority should he win Monday’s federal election, where his Liberal Party is expected to secure a potential majority.
This isn’t the first time Carney has floated the idea of rebuilding bridges with India. Earlier this year, during his leadership bid, he called for “new friends and new allies” and identified India as a key partner during events in the Greater Toronto Area and Calgary.
Washington’s unpredictability under Trump appears to be a driving force behind Carney’s desire to strengthen ties with India and other like-minded nations.
