Looking forward to strengthening Indo-Canada ties: Modi wishes Carney over federal poll win

Indian PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney after the Liberal Party clinched victory in the federal polls. Modi said he is looking forward to working with Carney to strengthen the bilateral partnership and unlock greater opportunities for 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 nosedived 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, without providing any proof.

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 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 Carney, is now on course to 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.
Poilievre has conceded defeat.

The Bloc Quebecois, which only has candidates in Quebec, is ahead in 25 seats while The Greens are poised to win two.