Carney’s Liberal Party wins Canada poll as India hopes for reset in ties after bad blood over Nijjar killing

As Mark Carney’s Liberal Party is poised to win Canada’s federal election, there is cautious optimism in New Delhi about a potential reset in relations after a period of diplomatic hostility under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Carney has struck a more measured tone on India than his predecessor, avoiding direct comment on the controversial killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, an incident Trudeau claimed involved Indian government agents and which triggered a collapse in bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Modi congratulates Carney over win

Carney has called India “an incredibly important partner”, underlining the potential for renewed cooperation in trade, strategy and people-to-people ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to congratulate him, highlighting the shared democratic values between the two countries and expressing hope for stronger ties.

“I look forward to working with you to strengthen our partnership,” Modi posted on social media.

Moving away from Trudeau’s extremist-tainted legacy

Under Trudeau, India-Canada relations sharply deteriorated due to Ottawa’s perceived tolerance of Sikh separatist elements, including Nijjar, who was declared a terrorist by India.
Trudeau’s open accusation of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s assassination pushed ties to a historic low, with diplomatic expulsions on both sides.

Carney, who took over Liberal leadership in March, has avoided inflaming the issue. Instead, he has emphasized “mutual respect” and the need to focus on future opportunities.

A former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, Carney brings a technocratic style and seems more attuned to economic and geopolitical pragmatism than ideological signaling. His leadership may offer India a chance to engage with Ottawa without the baggage of past confrontations.

Liberal comeback driven by anti-Trump nationalism

The Liberal victory marks a dramatic turnaround in fortunes. Just weeks ago, polls had them trailing the Conservatives. But US President Donald Trump’s aggressive moves, including trade tariffs and suggestions that Canada should be annexed as America’s “51st state”, triggered a wave of nationalist sentiment among Canadian voters.

Carney capitalised on this backlash, presenting the Liberals as protectors of Canadian sovereignty.
“We are over the shock of the American betrayal,” he declared in his victory speech. With his eye on diversifying Canada’s trade relationships, India is seen as a key partner in a post-Trump global strategy.

TNR News Network