Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to begin his first official visit to India on February 27 as part of a broader diplomatic mission to the Indo-Pacific region.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing Reuters, that the visit aims to restore and strengthen bilateral relations that have faced significant challenges in recent years. Following his engagements in India, the Prime Minister is also slated to travel to Australia and Japan to further Canada's regional interests.
According to the Canadian Foreign Minister, Carney will first arrive in Mumbai to meet with prominent business leaders. The primary focus of these discussions will be the initiation of negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement, which officials expect to finalize by November. Following the Mumbai leg, the Prime Minister will travel to New Delhi for high-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reuters notes that Carney is actively seeking to diversify Canada's economic partnerships to reduce reliance on the United States. His strategy involves building closer ties with China, the Middle East, and India to foster a new global trade order led by what he defines as "middle powers." This shift comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has emphasized protectionist trade policies, prompting other nations to seek alternative multilateral alliances.
The Indo-Pacific region has become a central pillar of modern global diplomacy due to its rapid economic growth and strategic maritime routes. For Canada, re-engaging with India represents a critical step in its Indo-Pacific Strategy, aimed at enhancing regional security, promoting trade, and strengthening people-to-people ties within one of the world's most populous and economically dynamic markets.
