In a move signalling a possible diplomatic reset, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has extended an olive branch to India, inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, from 15–17 June. Modi confirmed his attendance in what will be the first high-level interaction between the two countries since relations soured under the previous Trudeau government.
The phone call between Carney and Modi, held on Friday, marks a significant thaw in bilateral ties and reflects Carney’s eagerness to repair the damage left by his predecessor.
“The two leaders discussed the longstanding relationship between Canada and India, including deep people-to-people ties and significant commercial links.”
Relations hit a low point in 2023 after then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government—without providing any evidence—of involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. India categorically rejected the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “baseless”, and diplomatic relations remained tense through 2024.
By inviting Modi to the G7, Carney is signalling a more pragmatic approach. During the conversation, the two leaders acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Canada and India, grounded in vibrant people-to-people links and strong commercial ties. They also committed to continuing dialogue on law enforcement and security concerns—issues that had previously deepened the rift between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi later posted on X: “Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month.”
“As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests.”
Former Indian-origin Liberal MP Chandra Arya highlighted the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Canada, calling it “very significant for Canada-India relations and to realize its full potential for mutual benefit.”
Arya emphasised that in today’s multipolar world, it is in Canada’s national economic, strategic, and geopolitical interest to build a deeper and more structured partnership with India across trade, investment, policy, and civil society.
“Canada and India are united by shared values—democracy, pluralism, and a rules-based international order—as well as a rapidly growing commercial relationship and strong people-to-people ties.”
Canada has strong economic reasons to seek reconciliation. India is its 10th largest trading partner, and a key market for Canadian agricultural exports—especially pulses like lentils, which are central to both Indian kitchens and Canadian farming interests.
Carney, a former central banker with international credentials, is widely seen as someone capable of balancing principled diplomacy with economic pragmatism.
The G7, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union, is expected to focus on global security, economic stability, and climate change. Although India is not a member, it is regularly invited as a guest due to its growing global influence.
After nearly two years of strained silence, the conversation suggests a new chapter in India–Canada relations may be quietly underway.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
Multicultural tourism packages
