After the recent strained ties, the air between Ottawa and New Delhi is finally beginning to clear. The arrival of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in India this week signals more than just a routine state visit. According to experts, the visit paves the way to 'reset' ties with both countries. Ottawa’s recent U-turn on its earlier 'terror' accusations marks a crucial first step in thawing the long-strained diplomatic ties between Canada and India.
Carney is set to visit India on Thursday night and will be in New Delhi till March 2. On the eve of his visit, a Canadian senior official said that the government believed that India was no longer plotting attacks on Canadians.
India is no longer linked to violent crimes in Canada, said the official.
"We have a very robust diplomatic engagement, including between national security advisers, and I think we can say we're confident that that activity is not continuing or we would not be having this type of discussion," said the official while briefing reporters ahead of the PM's visit.
According to the report, Canadian authorities no longer consider foreign interference or violent activity tied to India to be a current concern.
The death of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023, in Ottawa, has disrupted India-Canada ties, with the latter blaming India for plotting the murder. Though India refuted the claims, an investigation was launched into the alleged assassination attempt by Canada and the US.
The dispute also led to expulsion of diplomats from both countries. In 2024, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) claimed that Indian government agents were linked to violent crime in Canada.
The then PM Justin Trudeau said that there was 'credible' evidence that India is involved in the Nijjar death.
Since taking charge, Carney’s government has emphasised that strengthening trade and people-to-people ties with India can proceed alongside law enforcement cooperation.
India's High Commissioner to Ottawa, Dinesh Patnaik, told the Toronto Star that disagreements between the two countries were handled through dialogue. He also added that the discussions between the National Security Advisors in India and Canada marked a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral ties.
Carney's visit to India is expected to focus on trade and investment, particularly in energy, AI and advanced manufacturing.
