Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit India in the coming weeks, marking a significant step as both countries seek to expand their trade partnerships amidst the trade tensions sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit, as confirmed by India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, will take place after India presents its budget on February 1.
Patnaik expressed optimism about the renewed diplomatic ties, highlighting that trust has been restored in the relationship and diplomats are making up for lost time during the period of strained relations. The rift originated when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the extrajudicial killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil in 2023, leading to a freeze in Canada-India relations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has refuted the allegations of ordering extrajudicial killings in Canada, emphasizing that such claims are baseless. Patnaik clarified that the accusations were made by the previous prime minister and stressed the positive changes in Canada’s approach under the new leadership.
The visit by Carney follows the commitment made by both leaders to initiate negotiations for a new trade agreement known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This decision was announced during their meeting at the G20 Summit in South Africa last November. The move is crucial as both Canada and India face significant tariffs imposed by the U.S., with India dealing with a 50% tariff, partly due to its purchase of Russian oil.
Patnaik emphasized the mutual need for collaboration between the two countries and highlighted key sectors for potential cooperation, including energy, fertilizers, agriculture, innovation, research and development, aerospace, and defense. While discussing the possibility of signing a trade deal by the end of the year, Patnaik indicated that substantial progress in these areas would be a significant achievement.
Furthermore, Carney’s upcoming visit will follow diplomatic missions to India by various Canadian ministers, indicating a positive trend in the warming relations between the two countries. This effort to strengthen ties is essential as Canada navigates the challenges posed by Trump’s tariffs. Carney is also scheduled to embark on a significant trade mission to China, further underscoring the efforts to mend diplomatic relationships with key trading partners.