Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Mumbai on Friday, kicking off an official visit to India that will last until March 2. This is Karney’s first official visit to the country.
Carney’s visit aims to rebuild bilateral relations and enhance trade, as Canada aims to confront the impact of tense relations with the United States and deepen relations with countries such as India, China and Middle Eastern countries. After landing in Mumbai, he is expected to interact with business leaders before traveling to New Delhi, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, according to AFP.
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Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated in recent years after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged India’s involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen, something New Delhi has repeatedly denied. Unlike Trudeau, Carney will not visit Punjab, a region closely linked to Sikh separatist politics, which analysts see as a move to avoid friction with Indian authorities, according to a Reuters report.
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Experts said Carney’s approach reflects a more realistic foreign policy, shaped in part by tensions with Washington during Donald Trump’s tariff measures and annexation threats. Business leaders described the trip as focused squarely on trade and investment rather than symbolism.
The visit also comes on the heels of the recent trade agreement between India and the European Union, raising hopes of a similar agreement with Canada. The Reuters report noted that Indian officials had previously indicated that the talks could include a long-term uranium supply agreement and smaller agreements in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, education and culture.
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After India, Carney is scheduled to travel to Australia and Japan as part of a broader push to reduce its dependence on the United States, diversify Canadian trade and strengthen ties with what he described as “middle power” economies.
(With inputs from agencies)
