Canada Seeks Diplomatic Reset With India, Mark Carney To Attend 2026 AI Summit In Delhi

Last Updated:November 24, 2025, 11:19 IST

The February 2026 Global AI Summit in New Delhi is being viewed as the moment when ties could publicly pivot towards normalisation, with Canadian PM Mark Carney set to attend.

PM Narendra Modi with Canadian PM Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G20 Summit | Photo: Narendra Modi/X

Canada is pushing for a reset in its relationship with India, with officials on both sides signaling that a strategic thaw is now underway. According to top government sources, the February 2026 Global AI Summit in New Delhi is being viewed as the moment when ties could publicly pivot towards normalisation, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney set to attend. His presence would mark the first major high-level engagement since diplomatic relations nosedived in 2023–24.

Back-channel communication, which had slowed during the earlier period of tensions, reportedly resumed in mid-2025. Since then, a series of discreet bilateral interactions between senior officials from New Delhi and Ottawa have been aimed at rebuilding trust through controlled, issue-specific engagement. Both sides are prioritising cooperation in trade, technology, and security, treating these as low-friction sectors that can help restore confidence before tackling more contentious issues.

Mark Carney, who became Prime Minister in March 2025, has conveyed within his caucus that there must be no contact with Khalistani elements, adopting a firmer, more transparent stance. His message reflects a broader shift in Ottawa, where prominent political figures — including former Prime Minister Stephen Harper — have publicly urged Canadian parties to distance themselves from Khalistani separatist groups.

This shift is reinforced by assessments from CSIS, Canada’s intelligence agency, which has repeatedly warned about the activities of extremist networks operating within the country. These groups, CSIS notes, have been linked to intimidation campaigns and funding channels extending beyond Canada’s borders. For Ottawa, demonstrating credible action on this front is also crucial to counter the perception that Canada is a safe haven for extremist elements.

High-level exchanges have already begun to accelerate. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with Canadian ministers such as Anita Anand and Maninder Singh Sidhu, have engaged in frequent visits, signalling intent on both sides to re-establish normal diplomatic rhythms. More ministerial visits are expected in the coming months.

Beyond the political sensitivities, the economic stakes are significant. India is among Canada’s fastest-growing major markets and a leading source of international students, investment, and technology talent. Trade negotiations — halted earlier due to the Khalistan dispute — can unlock substantial opportunities if trust is repaired. Canadian officials recognise that a firm, consistent position on extremist elements is essential for resuming these stalled talks.

Khalistani Elements Warn Carney

According to sources, Khalistani elements in Canada have warned that Carney’s government lacks both the mandate and the parliamentary stability to pursue any major trade agreement with India. SFJ leaders argue that Canadian elections — not diplomatic outreach — will decide the future of Canada–India ties.

Sources say Khalistani elements have warned that Carney’s push to revive the proposed $50-billion Canada–India trade framework by 2030 amounts to accepting “blood money," alleging it comes at the cost of Canadian sovereignty. They insist that no Canadian government can move forward on trade with PM Narendra Modi without first addressing what SFJ describes as accountability for the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whom extremist groups refer to as “Shaheed."

These groups added that any attempt to rebuild economic ties with India while “sidestepping" the findings of Canadian security agencies in the Nijjar case will face political consequences when Canadians head to the polls.

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