Canada-India relations reset as Carney visits India

Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting India to launch talks on a comprehensive free-trade agreement and deepen cooperation after a diplomatic rupture in 2023–24 that included public accusations and the expulsion of diplomats.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is making his first official visit to India, beginning in Mumbai and continuing to New Delhi. The trip is framed as a reset after a diplomatic rupture in 2023–24 that included public accusations over the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the expulsion of Indian diplomats in 2024. Carney’s agenda includes launching formal trade negotiations and pursuing cooperation on defence, nuclear energy and advanced technologies. What is known: - Canada and India experienced a diplomatic rupture in 2023–24; Ottawa publicly accused India of playing a role in the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and expelled Indian diplomats in 2024. - Mr. Carney will open talks on a comprehensive free-trade agreement and is expected to pursue agreements on defence co-operation, nuclear energy and technology; a uranium supply deal has been reported as likely. - Both governments have set up communication channels and pledged closer security co-operation; four Indian nationals now face charges in the Nijjar case. - India’s high commissioner to Canada said trade negotiations will be launched when Mr. Carney meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi and could take less than 12 months. Summary: The visit seeks to restore diplomatic and economic engagement while important disputes remain unresolved. Officials plan to begin formal trade negotiations and pursue a range of cooperation agreements during meetings in New Delhi. The Nijjar-related allegations and legal matters remain outstanding even as both sides establish channels for security dialogue.