Its trajectory ‘totally different’: Carney distances India from 'Middle Power' Label

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in conversation with Network 18

• Canadian PM Carney calls India’s ambitions beyond a middle power
• Carney visits Mumbai, meets business leaders to boost trade ties
• Canada aims to finalise a trade deal with India by November

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has described India as a country whose global ambitions go well beyond that of a “middle power,” signalling Ottawa’s recognition of New Delhi’s rising influence.

“I wouldn't call India a middle power- happy for Canada to take that label! India's trajectory & ambition are TOTALLY different,” Carney said, while speaking to Network 18, drawing a sharp distinction between the two countries’ global positioning.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is in India on a high stakes visit aimed at stabilising relations with the world’s largest democracy, as Ottawa and New Delhi look to diversify trade and lessen dependence on the United States.

The trip began in Mumbai, where Carney is holding meetings with leading business figures. He is scheduled to travel to New Delhi next for formal discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The visit represents a significant shift after ties deteriorated sharply when Canada alleged that India was involved in the extrajudicial killing of a Canadian Sikh separatist on Canadian territory, a charge New Delhi firmly rejected.

Recent signals from both governments suggest a willingness to reset the relationship and rebuild engagement.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney began his India visit in Mumbai, the country’s financial capital, where he spent February 27 and 28 engaging with top CEOs, startup founders, academic leaders and representatives of Canadian pension funds. The meetings were designed to highlight commercial opportunities as Ottawa pushes to broaden trade and reduce exposure to the US market amid tariff uncertainties dating back to the Trump era.

Canada’s Foreign Minister has indicated that Ottawa is aiming to finalise a comprehensive trade agreement by November. Carney’s discussions in Mumbai focused heavily on cooperation in energy, critical minerals and technology. Unlike some previous Canadian leaders, he did not schedule a visit to Punjab, a move seen as an effort to avoid sensitivities linked to the Sikh diaspora.

On March 1, Carney is heading to New Delhi, where he is set to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Leela Palace. Delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will follow at Hyderabad House on March 2.