Toronto: A shift in Canada’s approach to India is being observed under Prime Minister Mark Carney, with multiple diplomatic and trade interactions suggesting that the new government is unlikely to allow pro-Khalistan elements to dominate the bilateral agenda.
Recent closed-door roundtables in Ottawa and Toronto, featuring Indian and Canadian officials as well as trade representatives, have pointed towards a mutual desire to “reset” the relationship after a period of strain under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Notably, former Indian High Commissioner to Ottawa, Ajay Bisaria, who participated in these meetings, noted that Ottawa appears poised to act “in Canada’s national interest” rather than being swayed by diaspora politics.
The biggest indicator of this change came during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, where PM Carney extended a personal invitation to Indian PM Narendra Modi, despite protests by pro-Khalistan groups. The gesture was seen as a strong signal that Canada’s foreign policy under Carney is prioritizing strategic and economic ties with India over domestic political appeasement.
A Canadian government readout of the summit reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening India-Canada relations based on mutual respect, the rule of law, and sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two leaders discussed Indo-Pacific cooperation, energy transition, food security, and deeper collaboration in technology, critical minerals, and digital transition.
Both nations have agreed to reinstate their High Commissioners, with diplomatic formalities expected to be completed by August.
These developments follow earlier tensions in the relationship, largely over the Khalistan issue. Under Trudeau, India had expressed strong concerns about separatist sentiments being openly endorsed in Canada. With Carney in charge, Indian diplomats sense a pragmatic shift. As Bisaria stated, “The reset has begun, and it will be a step-by-step process.”
The recent roundtables were hosted by the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC) and featured high-level participation, including Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner Sara Wilshaw, GAC’s Director General for South Asia Marie-Louise Hannan, and Indian diplomats Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh and Chinmoy Naik. These talks form part of a larger framework to revive structured dialogue and expand commercial and geopolitical cooperation.
The next few months are expected to witness more official exchanges, signaling a concerted effort to overcome past discord and pursue a more constructive partnership.
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