Justin Trudeau – Prime Minister of Canada
India Blames Extremist Support for Strained Canada Ties
India has held Canada’s past leadership responsible for the downturn in bilateral relations, attributing the strain to the support extended to extremist and secessionist elements within Canadian borders. The comments come days after a leadership change in Canada, where Mark Carney has taken over as Prime Minister from Justin Trudeau.
India Criticizes Extremist Tolerance in Canada
India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed that the diplomatic relationship deteriorated due to the freedom granted to extremist groups that promote anti-India narratives. “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.
India has long voiced concerns over Canada’s handling of Khalistani elements, asserting that such groups operate freely and disrupt peace and bilateral understanding. The Indian government has repeatedly called for stricter action but claims previous appeals went unheeded.
Leadership Transition Offers Hope
With the recent swearing-in of Prime Minister Mark Carney, India is hopeful for a renewed chapter in diplomatic engagement. Carney, a former central banker, has signaled his intention to rebuild trade and diplomatic ties with like-minded countries, including India. He emphasized a shared sense of values as the foundation for strengthening commercial relations and hinted at a strategic reset.
Tensions During Trudeau’s Tenure
India-Canada relations were severely strained under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, especially after Trudeau’s public allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in 2023. India denied any involvement and criticized Canada for not providing credible evidence while making serious accusations. The standoff escalated with both countries expelling each other’s diplomats.
Trudeau later admitted that his claims lacked “hard evidentiary proof,” a statement India used to underscore that the damage to bilateral ties was politically motivated and avoidable.
Looking Ahead
With new leadership in place, India hopes for a shift in policy and a more balanced approach from Canada. The emphasis moving forward is on restoring mutual trust, reducing space for extremist rhetoric, and promoting cooperation in trade, security, and global diplomacy. Both nations now face the challenge of rebuilding ties that were significantly frayed over the past year.
