Canada and India: Finally Getting Their Act Together?
Let’s be real—it’s about time.
After what felt like forever—months of awkward diplomatic silences and veiled jabs—Canada and India seem to be patching things up. And honestly? It’s not a moment too soon. With new Canadian PM Mark Carney stepping in and Modi gearing up for another term, both sides suddenly have reasons to play nice. Trade talks are back on the table, and that’s huge. But here’s the thing: why now, and will it actually stick this time?
How things went sideways
Not exactly a fairy tale
Look, Canada and India go way back—trade, students, a massive Indian community in Toronto and Vancouver. But lately? More like that one friendship where you keep meaning to call, but life gets in the way. Trade disputes, visa headaches, and some serious side-eye over geopolitics. That big trade deal everyone wanted? Stuck in limbo for ages.
What it cost them
And man, did that ever backfire. Trade flatlined around $12 billion CAD—which sounds like a lot until you realize it could’ve been way bigger. Clean energy projects stalled, tech collaborations fizzled. Canada missed out on India’s boom, and India? Well, burning bridges with a G7 country isn’t exactly great for business.
The reset nobody saw coming
How it went down
Okay, so here’s the juicy bit. Behind the scenes, diplomats were whispering about a thaw. Then—bam!—Modi and Carney actually talked. Like, a real 30-minute phone call where they didn’t just exchange pleasantries. The key line? “Let’s speed things up.” No fancy treaties yet, but the vibe? Way warmer than last year.
Why the sudden change?
Simple: both guys need this. Carney’s got a shaky economy back home and needs new markets. Modi? He’s eyeing that third term and wants to prove India’s not just a regional player. Plus, with China slowing down, suddenly cozying up looks smart.
What’s actually in this trade deal?
The good stuff
Think lentils from Canada, meds from India—tariffs on those could drop. Easier work visas for tech talent is probably happening too. Oh, and semiconductors? Big potential there.
The sticking points
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Remember that dairy fight? Still a thing. And IP laws—Canada’s big on protections, India’s got local industries to shield. Someone’s gotta compromise.
Where this could actually go
Green energy = green lights
Here’s a no-brainer: Canada knows green hydrogen, India needs to decarbonize fast. Match made in heaven. And infrastructure? Indian cities could use some Canadian know-how.
What’s in it for businesses
Less red tape means everyone wins. Picture Indian solar companies getting Canadian materials without the hassle. Or Canadian unis setting up shop in Mumbai. That’s the dream, anyway.
What happens next?
Short-term wins
They’re aiming for a draft deal by December. Rumor is Carney might swing by Delhi—nothing says “we’re serious” like a state visit.
The long game
Beyond money, they’ve got to fix the people-to-people stuff. More student exchanges, maybe some tourism pushes. Because let’s face it—relations aren’t just about spreadsheets.
Bottom line?
This isn’t just diplomatic small talk. It’s two countries realizing they’ve been dumb to let things slide. For businesses, start paying attention. For politicians? Don’t screw it up this time. Because as one tired diplomat told me: “We’re all sick of repeating the same mistakes.”
Source: Livemint – Opinion
