Mark Carney Eyes Fresh Start with India: A New Era After Trudeau’s Diplomatic Standoff

Mark Carney, the former central banker set to become Canada’s next prime minister, has expressed his desire to rebuild ties with India. This comes after years of strained relations under Justin Trudeau.

Speaking in Calgary, Carney emphasized the need for Canada to strengthen trade with “like-minded countries” and said he looks forward to improving relations with India if he becomes prime minister.

Tensions between Canada and India worsened after Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in the killing of pro-sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in September 2023. India strongly denied the allegations, calling them baseless. Both countries expelled diplomats, freezing relations.

Carney faces challenges at home, including economic uncertainty and a strong Conservative opposition. His focus will likely be domestic issues, but improving ties with India could benefit both nations, especially in trade and immigration.

Indian students and workers have faced visa issues in Canada, while India has criticized Canada’s leniency toward Sikh separatists. The 1985 Kanishka bombing case remains a point of contention.

Carney’s approach is a shift from Trudeau’s confrontational stance, but whether it leads to real change remains uncertain.

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