India–Canada Ties Poised for Reset as PM Mark Carney Prepares First Official Visit to New Delhi
Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney to Visit India, India–Canada Relations Set for Reset: After nearly two years of strained relations, diplomatic ties between India and Canada appear set for a revival as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for his first official visit to India. The visit, widely seen as a “reset button” for bilateral relations, carries significance not only for trade and investment but also for strategic cooperation amid shifting global dynamics.
Prime Minister Carney’s visit follows an invitation extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G-20 summit held in South Africa in November 2025. It marks a serious effort by both governments to move past tensions that escalated after the Nijjar controversy in 2023. Diplomatic sources suggest that both New Delhi and Ottawa are now keen to rebuild trust and expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
A major focus of the visit will be economic engagement, particularly the stalled negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). India and Canada have set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. Coming soon after the presentation of India’s Union Budget, the visit could also pave the way for increased participation by Canadian pension funds and institutional investors in India’s infrastructure and growth sectors.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Visit India, Ties Expected to Improve
Global trade uncertainties have added urgency to this renewed engagement. The United States’ tough tariff regime under former President Donald Trump has pushed both India and Canada to diversify their export markets. While Indian exporters face heavy tariffs in the US, Canada is seeking to reduce its reliance on the American market and aims to double its non-US exports over the next decade. In this context, India’s large and stable market presents an attractive opportunity for Canadian businesses.
Beyond trade, the two leaders are expected to discuss deeper collaboration in strategic and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, defense cooperation, clean energy, and critical minerals supply chains. Diplomatic normalization measures, including increasing embassy staffing and easing visa processes, are also likely to be on the agenda following the return of senior diplomats to both capitals.
Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik has indicated that Canada’s approach under Prime Minister Carney reflects a positive shift, with “trust in the system” gradually being restored. Improved dialogue on law enforcement and security issues has further contributed to a conducive atmosphere for renewed engagement.
If successful, Prime Minister Carney’s visit could mark a new beginning in India–Canada relations, laying the groundwork for a stronger partnership in trade, technology, and security, and reinforcing cooperation in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
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