Baby Steps to Thaw: India and Canada Begin Cautious Reset Under Carney

India and Canada are cautiously but importantly working to mend their chilly relationship, especially after Mark Carney stepped in as Canada’s new Prime Minister. Following nearly two years of diplomatic tension—triggered by former PM Justin Trudeau’s claims about Indian involvement in the murder of a Canadian Sikh activist—Carney’s practical approach has sparked some optimism for renewed dialogue.

 

The first signs of warming relations appeared with a phone call between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand, marking the highest-level communication since Carney took office. They talked about ways to strengthen their ties and revive stalled trade discussions, with growing speculation about the return of high commissioners to each other’s capitals and a potential invitation for PM Modi to attend the G7 Summit in Canada next month.

 

Carney’s leadership signifies a shift from mere words to tangible actions, with India keenly observing for real steps against Khalistani extremism and the restoration of normal visa and trade relations. The economic rationale for collaboration is compelling: bilateral trade is around $20 billion, and Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy increasingly sees India as a vital partner in these unpredictable global times.

 

Although deep-seated mistrust lingers, these “baby steps” indicate a readiness to rebuild trust, formalize engagement, and seek out new opportunities. The journey ahead will be gradual and careful, but this diplomatic reset is in motion—providing both nations a chance to move past old grievances and concentrate on shared strategic and economic goals.

 

Source: Hindustan Times