Delhi-Ottawa relations are at their lowest point since the murder of pro-Khalistan activist Nijjar.
A major change in the political landscape of Canada is anticipated both at home and abroad as a result of Mark Carney’s resounding victory as the new Liberal leader and prime minister Justin Trudeau’s successor.
As a former governor of the Bank of Canada and a professional economist, Carney’s first priorities after becoming leadership would have to be handling international policy and internal issues. One major worry is the retaliatory tariff that US President Donald Trump imposed, which might have a negative impact on Canada’s employment and economy. Political analysts think his leadership might affect the Liberal Party as federal elections draw near.
A major change in the political landscape of Canada is anticipated both at home and abroad as a result of Mark Carney’s resounding victory as the new Liberal leader and prime minister Justin Trudeau’s successor.
As a former governor of the Bank of Canada and a professional economist, Carney’s first priorities after becoming leadership would have to be handling international policy and internal issues. One major worry is the retaliatory tariff that US President Donald Trump imposed, which might have a negative impact on Canada’s employment and economy. Political analysts think his leadership might affect the Liberal Party as federal elections draw near.
It remains to be seen, however, if Trudeau’s departure and Carney’s arrival will strengthen Canada’s tense relations with India. Some Liberal leaders think that Carney’s leadership and economic knowledge might influence Canada’s approach to India in a number of ways, even though the party’s election might not result in immediate policy changes.
Following Trudeau’s accusation that Indian operatives were “actively involved” in the 2023 murder of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, relations between New Delhi and Toronto are at their lowest point ever. A significant standoff resulted from this, and both nations expelled one another’s officials.
Although Carney has not made any public remarks regarding the Khalistan issue, experts believe it is unclear how he will handle the situation in comparison to Trudeau. Dealing with Khalistani supporters, who reportedly had sway even within the Liberal Party, would be his true obstacle, they claim.
It is anticipated that a more “cooperative stance” on security matters will strengthen ties between the two nations, but much will rely on how Carney handles political challenges at home, especially from the Indian and Sikh diaspora.
Another element that could determine the two nations’ relationship is trade. Carney, a career economist, may decide to put aside controversial topics and continue trade negotiations, which have been on hold since 2023 because of diplomatic concerns. Given India’s increasing significance in the global economy, he might give trade and investment top priority. Carney had promised to “rebuild” trade relations between Canada and India prior to being elected to the position.
The latest changes to Canada’s immigration and educational regulations are another matter that worries India. India is Canada’s top source of international students, but thousands of Indian students’ futures are in jeopardy due to changes to the regulations governing the issuing of work permits and restrictions on student visas.
Although Carney’s strategy on these matters is still unknown, experts think his emphasis on economic expansion may result in laws that draw highly qualified Indian workers and students, which would be advantageous to both countries.
According to a foreign policy expert, Carney’s ability to reshape trade and immigration laws could lead to a more positive partnership with India, but how he handles New Delhi’s concerns about the Khalistan movement in Canada will be crucial.
