MEA Holds Canada’s Past Policies Responsible for Diplomatic Tensions
India on Friday attributed the deterioration of its relations with Canada to the previous Canadian government’s alleged tolerance of extremist and secessionist groups. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that these factors had caused a significant downturn in bilateral ties, expressing hope for a renewed relationship based on “mutual trust and sensitivity.”

“The downturn in India-Canada relations was caused by the license that was given to the extremist and secessionist elements in the country. Our hope is that we can rebuild our ties based on mutual trust and sensitivity,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

New Leadership in Canada Sparks Diplomatic Discussions
These remarks come in the wake of a leadership change in Canada, with Mark Carney replacing Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister. Carney, a former central banker, was sworn in on March 15 and has expressed interest in strengthening Canada’s trade relations with India.

Ahead of his swearing-in, Carney emphasised the importance of shared values in fostering trade partnerships. “What Canada will be looking to do is to diversify our trading relationships with like-minded countries. And there are opportunities to rebuild the relationships with India—there needs to be a shared sense of values around that commercial relationship. If I am the Prime Minister, I look forward to the opportunity to build that,” Carney stated.

Tensions Under Trudeau’s Tenure
India-Canada relations significantly declined during Justin Trudeau’s leadership, particularly after he accused the Indian government of involvement in the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistani terrorist, in Surrey, British Columbia.

The Indian government firmly denied these allegations, stating that Canada had failed to provide any concrete evidence. “Canada has presented us no evidence in support of the serious allegations Ottawa chose to level against India and Indian diplomats,” the MEA had said at the time.

Following the controversy, both nations took reciprocal diplomatic actions, recalling their respective envoys. The dispute further strained economic and political ties between the two countries.

In December 2024, India placed sole responsibility for the diplomatic fallout on Trudeau. After the former Canadian Prime Minister admitted he had intelligence but no solid proof of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing, the MEA criticised his approach. “The responsibility for the damage that this cavalier behaviour has caused to India-Canada relations lies with Prime Minister Trudeau alone,” the MEA stated.

With a new government in place, both nations are exploring the possibility of resetting relations. While India remains cautious, Carney’s statements suggest a willingness to rebuild diplomatic and economic ties. The coming months will determine whether the two countries can move past previous tensions and foster a more cooperative relationship.