Thu Feb 26 04:05:12 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Canada Softens Stance on Indian Involvement Ahead of PM Carney’s India Visit
The Story:
The Canadian federal government has concluded that India is not involved in violent criminal activity on Canadian soil, a significant shift in stance announced ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India, which begins on Thursday. This assessment, shared during a closed-door briefing, signals a positive turn in bilateral relations that had deteriorated following allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. The change in tone is expected to be welcomed by the Indian government, which has consistently denied any role in criminal acts in Canada.
The improved relationship follows a period of strained ties characterized by diplomatic expulsions and accusations. However, since Carney assumed office on March 14, 2025, relations have gradually stabilized, marked by high-level meetings and discussions on expanding cooperation across various sectors. Carney’s current tour, including stops in India, Australia, and Japan, reflects Canada’s broader strategy to diversify trade and reduce reliance on the United States.
Key Points:
* The Canadian government now believes India is not involved in violent criminal activity on Canadian soil.
* This assessment was shared ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India.
* Relations between Canada and India were strained following the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.
* Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had alleged a potential link between Indian agents and the murder.
* Since Carney assumed office in March 2025, relations have improved, with discussions on trade, energy, and technology.
* Carney’s India itinerary does not include a visit to Punjab, a departure from past Canadian Prime Ministers’ practices.
* International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu emphasized the possibility of pursuing both community safety and economic cooperation.
Critical Analysis:
The timing of Canada’s softened stance, immediately preceding Prime Minister Carney’s visit to India, suggests a calculated diplomatic move aimed at fostering stronger economic ties. With Canada seeking to diversify its trade relationships away from the United States, mending fences with India becomes strategically important. The omission of a Punjab visit, while potentially controversial domestically, further underscores the prioritisation of broader bilateral relations over symbolic gestures that might inflame sensitive issues.
Key Takeaways:
* Canada is prioritizing economic cooperation with India, potentially at the expense of addressing domestic concerns related to the Nijjar case and Sikh separatism.
* The shift in Canada’s position highlights the influence of geopolitical considerations on diplomatic relations.
* Prime Minister Carney is actively working to stabilize and strengthen ties with India after a period of significant strain.
* The focus on trade diversification suggests a long-term Canadian strategy to mitigate reliance on the United States.
* The situation illustrates the complexities of balancing international relations with domestic political considerations, particularly concerning diaspora communities.
Impact Analysis:
The improved relations between Canada and India could lead to increased trade and investment flows, benefiting both economies. Enhanced cooperation in areas like technology, energy, and defence could also strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. However, the lack of resolution regarding the Nijjar case and potential backlash from Sikh separatist groups in Canada could pose ongoing challenges to the relationship. Long term, this event series signifies a pragmatic shift in Canadian foreign policy, prioritizing economic interests and geopolitical strategy over potentially divisive legacy issues.
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