Mark Carney is to replace Justin Trudeau as Canadian Prime Minister after securing 85.9 per cent votes in the Liberal Party leadership race. And now all eyes are on how the new Canadian premier will look at relations with India following deteriorating ties under Trudeau.
Though Carney, 59, will be PM for less than eight months ahead of the general elections in October, it is important to look at how Canada's diplomatic ties with India will pan out during this short period.
Carney who spoke to media in Calgary, Alberta, said Ottawa will look at rebuilding the relationship with New Delhi and expand trade.
"...There are opportunities to rebuild relationship with India," the Canadian leader said. "There needs to be a shared sense of values around that commerical relationship, and if I am Prime Minister, I look forward to the opportunity to build that."
If the relations improve, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's team is likely to hold a high-level meeting with the new Canadian leadership, especially after US President Donald Trump's tariff threats affecting both countries. Canada's move to restrict immigration and tighten visa norms would also be a talking point, as per reports.
An added advantage for India with Carney at the helm would be his knowledge about Canada's economic ties with the country. He had earlier headed the board of Brookfield Asset Management, which has invested in India's realty, renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. He vacated the position in January.
The ties between India and Canada struck an all-time low after Trudeau alleged in September 2023 that Indians were involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 that year. New Delhi has refuted the allegations, calling them "baseless", with both countries expelling diplomats.
Canada had also put a pause on the Early Progress Trade Agreement, which would have been concluded in 2023.