Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney on his Liberal Party’s election victory and expressed eagerness to strengthen bilateral ties and expand opportunities between the two countries.
In his X handle, Modi said: “Congratulations @MarkJCarney on your election as the Prime Minister of Canada and to the Liberal Party on their victory. India and Canada are bound by shared democratic values, a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, and vibrant people-to-people ties. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our partnership and unlock greater opportunities for our people.”
Nijjar Row
Relationship between India and Canada touched new low points during the tenure of former PM Justin Trudeau following the death of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A diplomatic row between the two countries began after Trudeau alleged India’s role in the killing of the Khalistani leader.
In June 2023, Nijjar, who was a Canadian citizen, was gunned down close to the Vancouver gurdwara.
Trudeau continuously alleged ‘agents’ of the Indian government were behind Nijjar’s killing.
The Indian government continuously rejected all allegations levelled against it.
India and Canada expelled and recalled senior diplomats with ties reaching their lowest points at the end of Trudeau’s tenure.
In January 2025, a Canadian commission, probing into alleged foreign interference in its electoral processes and democratic institutions, in its report stated that “no definitive link” with a “foreign state” in connection with the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was “proven”.
The Indian government’s position was vindicated by the report.
Canadian politics soon witnessed a massive change with Mark Carney taking charge of the Liberal Party and becoming the Prime Minister after Trudeau stepped down from the post, ending his 10-year rule.
Carney Returns
Canada’s Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, is now on course to win the federal election and form the government for the fourth consecutive term, a rare event in the country’s politics.
In Canada, a party needs to get 172 seats to form a majority in the Parliament.
The key opposition Conservative Party, led by longtime parliamentarian Pierre Poilievre, was
emerging as favourites to win the polls after Justin Trudeau stepped down, and is currently leading in 147 seats, clearly losing the chance to return to power.
Pierre Poilievre has conceded defeat.
The Bloc Quebecois, which only has candidates in Quebec, is ahead in 25 seats while The Greens are marching to win 2.
(With inputs from IBNS)
