Mark Carney's election as Prime Minister of Canada marks a significant shift in the country's domestic and foreign policy trajectory, especially regarding its frigid relationship with India. His victory, built on a clear break from the legacy of Justin Trudeau, creates a more favourable atmosphere for resetting Indo-Canadian ties, though the process will likely be cautious and gradual rather than immediate and sweeping.
During the campaign, Carney carefully distanced himself from Trudeau’s controversial policies—most notably the carbon tax—and the political baggage of alliances with Khalistan-sympathetic leaders like Jagmeet Singh. With Singh's NDP reduced to irrelevance and Trudeau no longer at the helm, two major barriers to repairing ties with India have been removed.
On the economic front, Carney is acutely aware of India’s importance as a rising global power and a vital trade partner. His past experience with Indian businesses and institutions—as well as his association with Brookfield, which has significant investments in India—suggests he sees long-term value in fostering closer cooperation. His remarks in Calgary about seeking to "rebuild the relationship with India" indicate intent, though tempered by an emphasis on "shared values."
India, for its part, has responded pragmatically, with PM Modi offering a warm congratulation and emphasizing shared democratic values and people-to-people ties. This indicates New Delhi’s willingness to engage with Ottawa under new leadership.
Ultimately, the outlook for Indo-Canadian ties under Mark Carney is cautiously optimistic. The ghost of Trudeau’s foreign policy has been exorcised, and Carney appears equipped—with both political space and economic rationale—to pursue a more pragmatic, less ideologically driven relationship with India.
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