Canada Signals Fresh Start With India as Carney Prepares Landmark Visit

Canada Drops Indian Interference Concerns Ahead of PM Mark Carney’s First India Visit

Ottawa/New Delhi: In a notable diplomatic shift, Canadian authorities have indicated that they no longer believe India is attempting to influence Canada’s democratic institutions or engage in targeted violence on its soil. The clarification comes just days before Prime Minister Mark Carney embarks on his first official trip to India.

Officials, speaking to Canadian media on condition of anonymity, suggested that the visit itself reflects renewed confidence in the bilateral relationship. They emphasized that such a high-level engagement would not be moving forward if Ottawa still had concerns about ongoing interference. According to them, Canada maintains strong institutional safeguards against foreign meddling and continues structured discussions with New Delhi on sensitive matters.

Relations between the two countries had deteriorated sharply after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in 2023 that Indian agents were connected to the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India firmly rejected the accusation, calling it baseless. The episode led to months of diplomatic tension.

Adding to the complexity, a Canadian inquiry report released in early 2025 described India as the second most active foreign actor involved in interference efforts within Canada, after China. The report also acknowledged India’s frustration over what it perceives as Canada’s insufficient response to concerns about Khalistani separatism.

The reset in ties began after Mark Carney assumed office. A meeting between Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G7 Summit in 2025 paved the way for stabilizing relations. Since then, both sides have worked to rebuild trust and reopen channels of cooperation.

Carney’s upcoming visit marks the first trip to India by a Canadian prime minister since 2018. His delegation will include senior cabinet members and provincial leaders, highlighting the emphasis on expanding economic, trade, and defense collaboration.

In recent months, diplomatic engagement between Canada and India has gathered pace, with both countries restarting negotiations on trade and investment while also intensifying high-level exchanges. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand travelled to India to present a structured plan aimed at rebuilding and stabilizing bilateral ties. At the same time, senior national security officials from Ottawa and New Delhi have undertaken reciprocal visits to reinforce coordination on security and law enforcement matters.

As part of these efforts, the two governments have agreed to designate liaison officers to streamline operational collaboration. Authorities on both sides describe these coordinated initiatives as concrete measures designed to enhance mutual safety, strengthen security frameworks, and advance broader strategic cooperation.

With high-level visits, revived negotiations, and renewed security dialogue, Ottawa and New Delhi appear to be steering their relationship toward stability after a prolonged period of strain. Carney’s visit is expected to further solidify this recalibration and set the tone for a more pragmatic partnership moving forward.