Facing Trump’s trade war, India and Canada may bury the hatchet—but can old wounds heal?
Tensions between India and Canada hit a low in 2023 when then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India dismissed the claims as “absurd,” leading to tit-for-tat diplomat expulsions and frozen ties.
Now, under new Canadian PM Mark Carney, both nations are quietly working to mend fences. The reason? A common challenge: Donald Trump’s looming tariffs.
- Trade Troubles: Trump’s sweeping tariffs, set for April 2, threaten both economies.
- Diversify or Suffer: Canada’s Carney wants to “rebuild ties with India” to offset US trade risks.
- India’s Condition: New Delhi insists Canada must stop tolerating “extremist elements.”
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Signs of a Diplomatic Reset
- Intel Talks: Canada’s spy chief attended a security meeting in Delhi last week.
- Possible Modi-Carney Meet: The two leaders might talk at June’s G7 summit.
- Envoy Returns: Both nations may soon restore expelled diplomats.
While trade pressures are pushing reconciliation, the Khalistan issue remains a thorn. India demands Canada crack down on separatists, while Ottawa insists on “respect for Canadian laws.”
If Trump’s tariffs hit hard, India and Canada could fast-track cooperation—or let old grudges derail progress. One thing’s clear: economics might succeed where diplomacy alone failed.
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