Mark Carney, former Governor of Canada's Central Bank and soon-to-be Prime Minister, has expressed his intent to improve relations with India, differing from his predecessor Justin Trudeau. Recently, Carney mentioned his willingness to mend Canada-India relations and bring them back on track, given the chance.
Last Tuesday, before being chosen as the leader of the ruling Liberal Party in Calgary, Carney stated, "Canada seeks to diversify its trade relations with like-minded countries."
Under the pressure of US President Donald Trump's trade war, Carney remarked, "There are opportunities to rebuild relations with India. Trade connections should be underpinned by a sense of shared values. If I were Prime Minister, I would capitalize on this opportunity without hesitation."
Notably, Canada-India relations have witnessed significant strain over the past one and a half to two years. In September 2023, current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in the Canadian House of Commons about "credible allegations" of a possible link between Indian agents and the assassination of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia. It's important to note that Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a fugitive terrorist from India with a bounty on his head declared by the Indian government.
India outright rejected Trudeau's accusations. The Ministry of External Affairs mentioned that Canada has provided "no evidence in support of the serious allegations levied against India and its diplomats" by Ottawa. The diplomatic ties between the two nations soured significantly following Trudeau's allegations, to the extent that both countries recalled their diplomats and officials.
However, Mark Carney has now emphasized improving the ties between the two nations. The former executive of Goldman Sachs mentioned that Canada would enhance its trade relations with countries of similar mindset.
In a video appearing on 'X,' Mark Carney is heard saying, "Opportunities also exist to rebuild connections with India. There should be a shared values sentiment around that business relationship. Were I Prime Minister, I would eagerly anticipate creating this opportunity."
This statement from Mark Carney is deemed crucial for the bilateral relations between India and Canada.
Mark Carney previously served as the Governor of the Central Banks of both Canada and the UK. He is credited with leading Canada out of the global recession in 2008. Later, in 2013, he became the Governor of the UK's Central Bank.
Before this, Carney worked for 13 years in cities like London, Tokyo, New York, and Toronto. It is notable that Mark Carney has never held an elected office and is not a member of Parliament.
