Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit India from February 27 to March 2 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant thaw in bilateral ties that deteriorated under former PM Justin Trudeau following the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

Background: What Strained the Relationship?

Relations between India and Canada worsened after:

The 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia
Canada publicly alleging possible involvement of Indian agents
India strongly denying the claims
Diplomatic expulsions and downgrading of ties
Mutual accusations of foreign interference

These developments marked one of the lowest points in recent India–Canada diplomatic history.

Shift Under Mark Carney

Since taking office after Trudeau’s resignation in early 2025, Carney has signaled a recalibration:

Canadian officials recently indicated India is no longer believed to be linked to ongoing violent activities in Canada
Security dialogues reportedly improved
Focus shifted toward economic and strategic cooperation

Carney’s visit is being viewed as a deliberate reset in tone and engagement.

Visit Itinerary & Key Meetings

February 27 – Mumbai

Business engagements
Meetings with CEOs, financial leaders, innovators, educators
Interaction with Canadian pension funds operating in India

March 1–2 – New Delhi

Delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House
Participation in the India–Canada CEOs Forum
Review of the India–Canada Strategic Partnership

The leaders previously met in:

Kananaskis (June 2025)
Johannesburg (November 2025)

Key Discussion Areas

Trade and investment
Energy and critical minerals
Agriculture
Education and research
Technology and innovation
People-to-people ties
Regional and global issues

Canada is seeking to diversify trade partnerships, while India aims to deepen cooperation in energy, minerals, and emerging technologies.

Strategic Significance

The visit underscores:

A pragmatic pivot from diplomatic confrontation to economic collaboration
Recognition of mutual economic complementarities
Shared intent to stabilize and future-proof bilateral ties

Both nations appear focused on constructive engagement rather than revisiting past disputes.

Key Entities

Mark Carney – Canadian Prime Minister visiting India
Narendra Modi – Hosting leader
Justin Trudeau – Former Canadian PM during diplomatic strain
Hardeep Singh Nijjar – Central figure in 2023 diplomatic crisis

Final Verdict

Mark Carney’s first official India visit represents a pivotal moment in resetting strained India–Canada ties. By prioritising trade, strategic cooperation, and mutual economic interests, both countries appear ready to move beyond past diplomatic friction and chart a more stable, forward-looking partnership.