Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Mumbai on Friday for his first official visit to India, aiming to mend a strained bilateral relationship and boost economic collaboration between the two nations.
During his four-day stay, Carney is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing trade and investment, advancing cooperation in technology, energy, and critical minerals, and exploring opportunities for a long-term strategic partnership.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the meeting offers a chance to reaffirm “the positive momentum and shared vision” between Canada and India, signaling a renewed commitment to constructive dialogue after years of tension.
Carney’s visit is part of a broader effort to diversify Canada’s trade portfolio beyond the United States. He is also set to visit Australia and Japan next week, with the goal of doubling Canada’s non-U.S. exports over the next decade, citing ongoing challenges from American tariffs that have affected investment.
The visit comes after Canada and India made strides last year to advance a bilateral trade agreement following a period of strained relations. Tensions had escalated after Canadian authorities accused Indian operatives of involvement in the killing of a Canadian Sikh activist near Vancouver in 2023, allegations strongly denied by New Delhi. India also criticized former Canadian leadership for allegedly sheltering Sikh extremists associated with the banned Khalistan movement.
Relations began improving last June when Carney extended an invitation to Modi for the G7 summit in Alberta, marking a step toward restoring trust and collaboration.
Carney’s agenda in India will also include engagements with business leaders to explore trade and investment opportunities, reinforcing Canada’s strategy to strengthen economic ties with emerging markets.
