Digital News Guru International Affairs Desk:
In a significant shift in foreign policy, Canada’s federal government has stated that it no longer believes India is linked to violent crimes on Canadian soil, marking a notable recalibration in bilateral relations just days before Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney begins his official visit to India from February 26 to early March 2026.
Background: From Strained Relations to Diplomatic Tension
Relations between Canada and India had experienced deep strain over the past few years, primarily due to accusations raised by Canada’s previous leadership. In 2023, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly alleged that Indian government agents were connected to the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, a claim New Delhi consistently denied. This led to one of the most serious diplomatic rows between the two countries in decades, involving the expulsion of diplomats and mutual recriminations.
The incident sparked concerns not only about alleged state-linked violence but also about foreign interference in Canada’s internal affairs, including political processes and attacks on activists. Canadian security agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), previously identified threats associated with agents tied to the Indian government, citing extortion, coercion, and even connections to violent incidents.
However, under Mark Carney’s leadership, Ottawa appears to be pursuing a more pragmatic and engagement-oriented policy. As Carney prepared for his visit to India, senior Canadian officials signalled that Ottawa now believes India is no longer involved in violent crimes on its soil — a shift designed to clear the way for high-level diplomatic engagement.
What Canada’s Change in Tone Actually Says
During a media briefing ahead of the visit, a senior Canadian official said the government has “very robust diplomatic engagement, including between national security advisers, and [is] confident that that activity is not continuing,” in reference to previous concerns about Indian involvement in violent acts in Canada. Ottawa clarified that the decision to proceed with the India visit itself reflects this assessment.
Crucially, this shift does not necessarily mean Canada has formally retracted earlier investigations or statements, but rather that current evidence does not point to an ongoing threat or active interference by Indian actors at this time. The new stance emphasises forward-looking diplomatic and economic cooperation, even as legal and security discussions continue behind the scenes.
Diplomatic and Economic Context of the Visit
Mark Carney’s visit comes at a moment when both Canada and India are seeking to reset a fractured relationship and explore areas of mutual benefit. According to analysts and government sources, the visit’s agenda includes expanding trade cooperation, securing new partnerships in technology, energy, and investment, and renewing security dialogues that had cooled in recent years.
Specifically, India and Canada are expected to begin negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a proposed free trade deal aimed at significantly boosting bilateral commerce and investment between the two nations. While details are still being finalised, the initiative signals both sides’ interest in deepening economic ties.
Canada’s economic focus during the visit also reflects its broader foreign policy goals. Carney has stated explicitly that diversifying Canada’s trade partners beyond the United States is a priority, and strengthening ties with other major economies like India, Japan, and Australia forms a core part of that strategy.
Reactions in Canada and India
The change in Canada’s posture has drawn mixed reactions domestically and internationally:
- Supporters of reset: Some policymakers and business leaders view the shift as a necessary step toward a renewed partnership with India — one that balances concerns about security with the pragmatic pursuit of trade, investment, and global cooperation. Many in Canada’s business community see India as a key growth market and a vital partner in sectors like technology and energy.
- Criticism from activists: Sikh activist groups and critics still question whether security concerns — particularly related to threats against activists — have been adequately addressed. They argue that resetting ties without resolving deep-seated issues may undermine accountability and ignore unresolved grievances.
- Indian government response: New Delhi has consistently denied allegations of involvement in violent acts or interference and has emphasised its preference for mutual respect and legal cooperation on matters affecting both countries. Indian officials see the reset as an opportunity to focus on areas of common interest, including economic engagement and people-to-people ties.
What This Means for Future India-Canada Relations
Canada’s modified stance is not merely symbolic; it reflects a strategic recalibration aimed at moving beyond a period of diplomatic freeze towards a more constructive engagement path. For India, the gesture signals Ottawa’s willingness to separate security concerns from broader bilateral cooperation, opening doors for collaboration in economic, scientific, and geopolitical arenas.
At the same time, continuing dialogues on law enforcement, counter-terrorism, and transnational threats are expected to remain on the agenda, with both countries agreeing to appoint liaison officers to strengthen communication and operational coordination.
For Carney and Modi, the visit presents both an opportunity and a test — an opportunity to expand common ground after years of tension, and a test of whether diplomatic reset can be sustained without compromising on accountability and mutual respect.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the Canada-India relationship — recalibrated, tested, and renewed — could serve as an example of how nations navigate complex diplomatic challenges while pursuing shared interests on the global stage.
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