Carney Visits India to Reset Ties, Advance Trade Agenda

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Mumbai on his first official visit to India, aiming to repair strained bilateral relations and deepen trade ties with the world’s most populous country. Carney is meeting business leaders and beginning discussions on a comprehensive trade agreement expected to conclude by November, before heading to New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit reflects Carney’s broader push to diversify Canada’s global partnerships and reduce reliance on the United States.

Relations between the two nations deteriorated after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the assassination of a Canadian Sikh separatist, claims New Delhi has denied. Signaling a pragmatic shift, Carney will not visit Punjab, avoiding a potential flashpoint tied to Sikh separatist tensions. Analysts say the trip underscores a more business-focused foreign policy centered on economic growth and investment rather than diaspora politics.

The visit comes as India expands trade ties globally, including a recent agreement with the European Union, raising expectations of progress with Canada. Officials say potential deals could include a long-term uranium supply pact and cooperation in energy, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and education. Following India, Carney will travel to Australia and Japan as part of a strategy to strengthen alliances among “middle powers” amid shifting global trade dynamics and growing concerns over U.S. protectionism.