'Shared Values': PM Modi's Message For Mark Carney After Liberal Win Sets The Tone For India-Canada Ties

Last Updated:April 29, 2025, 15:20 IST

Carney has previously said rebuilding ties with India was a priority for his government, as Canada faces an uncertain relationship with both the US and China.

Mark Carney's victory signals a shift in India-Canada ties. (Reuters)

Canada Election 2025: Hours after it became clear that Canadian leader Mark Carney was guiding the Liberals to a historic fourth term, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent out a warm congratulatory message, stressing strong people-to-people ties between the two nations and stressing that we was looking forward to “unlocking greater opportunities".

The message was clear: India was looking to turn a new leaf in bilateral ties that had nosedived under Justin Trudeau, Carney’s predecessor and party colleague, over unsubstantiated allegations against New Delhi over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.

“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," said PM Modi on X.

Carney’s Campaign

Prime Minister Carney, 60, has had a lucrative career as an investment banker before serving as the central bank governor in both Canada and Britain. His campaign focused on provide economic stability and defending Canadian sovereignty. He took charge of the Liberal party months before the polls, replacing Trudeau who faced widespread backlash over soaring costs of living.

During his campaign, Carney said rebuilding ties with India was a priority for his government, describing it as an “incredibly important relationship". He also said Canadians have deep personal, economic and strategic ties with India.

“There are strains on that relationship that we didn’t cause, to be clear, but there is a path forward to address those with mutual respect and to build out," he was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times during a campaign event on the weekend, but did not mention the Nijjar controversy directly. He said Canada and India can play a big role in building an open, shared economy.

Last month, speaking to reporters in Alberta, Carney said, “What Canada will be looking to do is to diversify our trading relationships with like-minded countries and there are opportunities to rebuild the relationship with India. There needs to be a shared sense of values around that commercial relationship and if I’m Prime Minister, I look forward to the opportunity to build that."

The change of tone towards India comes as Canada grapples with US President Donald Trump’s annexation threats and steep tariffs. Carney has more than once emphasised that the US is no longer a reliable ally and the Canadians have to rely on each other.

India-Canada Relations

Relations between India and Canada over the decades have been strained over the Khalistan issue. However, they took a big hit in 2023 after then-PM Trudeau publicly accused India of being involved in the killing of Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia. India described the allegations as “absurd" and “politically motivated".

Tensions escalated further as Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, followed by a tit-for-tat move by India last year. Both nations expelled top envoys, froze trade negotiations and suspended official visits. India has accused Canada of tolerating extremism on its soil and failing to take action to curb attacks against Indian diplomats.

However, Canada’s increasingly uncertain alliance with the United States and a strained relationship with China has forced a review of its ties with India, which is one of the country’s largest sources of immigrants and skilled professionals.

Carney, who has been vocal in his criticism of President Trump, reinforced his firm stance against the US during his victory speech. He declared that he would never allow Ottawa to be “part of America in any way."

Ottawa, Canada

News world 'Shared Values': PM Modi's Message For Mark Carney After Liberal Win Sets The Tone For India-Canada Ties