After Liberal Comeback, Can India-Canada Relations Find Common Ground?

Highlights:

  • Mark Carney played a key role in reviving Liberal Party fortunes.

  • India-Canada relations have been strained since 2023 diplomatic fallout.

  • Experts see Carney as a bridge to future bilateral stability.

  • Mark Carney’s entry into Canadian politics and his support for the Liberal Party has reignited conversations around Canada’s international stance, particularly its relationship with India. Following a series of diplomatic confrontations, including the fallout over allegations made in the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case, Indo-Canadian ties have been at their lowest in years. However, with the Liberals regaining footing, there is cautious optimism about renewed engagement.

    Carney, known for his global economic influence and measured diplomacy, is expected to bring a pragmatic tone to foreign policy if given a greater role in government. His potential inclusion in key advisory positions within the Liberal framework may lead to more stable and predictable bilateral discussions with India. Experts believe this political shift opens a window for rebuilding trust—albeit slowly—through trade talks and diaspora-driven diplomacy.

    While major policy shifts won’t be immediate, the Liberal Party under Trudeau, bolstered by Carney’s credibility, might push for behind-the-scenes engagement to resolve tensions. India, while watching closely, is likely to seek actionable steps rather than rhetoric. The next few months could define whether the two democracies move past recent disputes or remain diplomatically cold.