Do India and Canada lastly have an opportunity to repair their relationship?
As Canada heads for a vital federal election on April 28, the world is watching — and one nation watching particularly intently is India.
The election pits newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney, main a revitalised Liberal Social gathering, in opposition to the Conservative opposition chief Pierre Poilievre. Whereas each males differ considerably on home coverage, they’re surprisingly aligned on one overseas coverage entrance: the necessity to restore Canada’s fractured relationship with India.
The diplomatic spat between the 2 international locations exploded in September 2023, when then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused India of involvement within the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan separatist, on Canadian soil. That triggered a pointy deterioration in ties, with tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats, cancelled commerce talks, and the freezing of bilateral cooperation.
However with Canada now in the midst of an election marketing campaign, a reset is likely to be doable.
The Liberal Social gathering’s resolution to interchange Trudeau with economist and former central banker Mark Carney has given the occasion a recent begin. Carney has not solely gained momentum within the polls — main the Conservatives by six factors — but additionally emphasised the necessity for pragmatic diplomacy. “India is a significant world financial system, a democratic associate, and a necessary buying and selling ally,” Carney mentioned lately, signaling a willingness to maneuver previous the Trudeau-era chill.
On the opposite aspect, Poilievre has additionally made enhancing India ties a key speaking level. He has criticised Trudeau’s dealing with of the Nijjar controversy and has referred to as for a extra “skilled and respectful” method. Whereas stories have emerged alleging Poilievre has acquired assist from BJP-linked teams, his stance has been welcomed in New Delhi.
The Indian Ministry of Exterior Affairs has additionally indicated a need to rebuild relations. Latest behind-the-scenes developments embody renewed contact between India’s Nationwide Investigation Company (NIA) and Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and a go to by Canada’s spy chief to India in March. Sources recommend that each international locations are contemplating restoring full diplomatic missions and restarting intelligence-sharing efforts.
There’s even discuss that the 2025 G7 Summit in Canada could possibly be the venue for a proper thaw in relations — maybe a gathering between Indian and Canadian management.
Nonetheless, the trail ahead is just not with out obstacles.
A legal investigation into Nijjar’s killing is ongoing in Canada, and any new findings might derail efforts to enhance ties. Furthermore, core disagreements stay unresolved. India continues to specific concern concerning the actions of pro-Khalistan teams in Canada, whereas Ottawa maintains suspicions of Indian interference in home affairs.
Briefly, the political will exists to repair the connection — however deep-rooted distrust persists.
The financial incentives are clear: India provides Canada a dynamic and rising market, whereas Canada is searching for steady companions past the U.S. in an period of rising financial nationalism. A commerce settlement might increase Canadian exports to India by almost 47%.
Whether or not it’s Carney or Poilievre in workplace come Might, the chance is there. However turning the web page would require extra than simply diplomatic niceties — it is going to require a tough reckoning with the previous.
