PM Modi congratulates Mark Carney on becoming Canada’s Prime Minister, hints at reset in bilateral ties
New Delhi, Apr 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations on Tuesday to Mark Carney for being elected as the Prime Minister of Canada and to the Liberal Party for their victory in the national elections. In a post on X, Mr. Modi expressed hope for revitalising India-Canada relations, which have suffered a sharp deterioration in recent years. “Congratulations @MarkJCarney on your election as the Prime Minister of Canada and to the Liberal Party on their victory,” Mr. Modi wrote. “India and Canada are bound by shared democratic values, a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, and vibrant people-to-people ties.
I look forward to working with you to strengthen our partnership and unlock greater opportunities for our people.”
The congratulatory message comes at a sensitive time in India-Canada relations. Ties between the two democracies have been strained under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, especially following allegations by the Canadian government of Indian involvement in the 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist in British Columbia. The fallout led to tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions and a collapse in high-level engagement, leaving bilateral ties in disrepair. Mr. Carney, a former central banker who succeeded Mr. Trudeau as Liberal leader, has signalled a desire to mend fences with India. His victory, largely driven by domestic economic concerns and a pledge to stabilise Canada’s international posture, could mark a turning point in the bilateral relationship.
India, for its part, has been watching the Canadian election closely. With nearly 1.8 million Indo-Canadians and one million non-resident Indians—together accounting for over 3% of Canada’s population—and a student cohort of more than 427,000, the stakes are high. India is not only invested in diaspora welfare but also in expanding economic ties. Whether Mr. Carney’s leadership can reset the tone of bilateral engagement remains to be seen. But with a new face in Ottawa and a clear signal from New Delhi, both sides may find a fresh opening to rebuild trust and cooperation.
