Canada’s PM Carney Urges Middle Powers Like India to Shape New World Order

Davos: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a powerful address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, calling for a new global order in response to what he described as the weakening of the U.S.-led liberal international system. Highlighting the roles of middle powers such as India and China, Carney emphasized that ignoring nations like Delhi could be a strategic mistake.

Carney, who previously served as governor of the central banks of Canada and the United Kingdom, warned that the existing rules-based international system is under strain. “The current U.S.-led order has guided global politics for decades, but it is now showing cracks,” he said.

Middle Powers Must Unite
Carney noted that smaller and medium-sized nations cannot rely solely on the goodwill or rule-following of larger powers to guarantee their security. “In today’s world, if you are not at the table, you are on the menu,” he said. He urged countries like India, China, and South America’s Mercosur bloc to collaborate closely and strengthen connections with the European Union and other key partners.

He criticized unilateral actions by dominant powers, citing Trump’s tariff policies, and warned that bilateral talks with hegemonic nations often reduce sovereignty to a mere display rather than actual influence.

India’s Strategic Role
Carney’s speech was particularly significant for India. He described Delhi as a crucial player in shaping the emerging global order and emphasized that Canada is actively seeking to diversify its partnerships beyond Washington. Canada is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with India, part of broader efforts to reduce dependency on the U.S.

Strengthening Global Partnerships
Carney also highlighted Canada’s recent strategic partnerships with China and Qatar and ongoing trade negotiations with India, ASEAN countries, Thailand, the Philippines, and Mercosur nations. “Our aim is to build stronger connections and work collaboratively to address global challenges,” he said.