Canada’s “Quad Minus One” Diplomacy: PM Carney’s India Visit Signals Strategic Shift

Ottawa/New Delhi: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit India this week, beginning a diplomatic tour that will also take him to Japan and Australia. Notably, all three countries are core members of the Quad, alongside the United States. Observers suggest that Carney’s itinerary may send a subtle, yet pointed, message to Washington, highlighting Canada’s evolving Indo-Pacific strategy.

Strategic Messaging in the Indo-Pacific

Carney arrives in Mumbai on Thursday, kicking off a carefully choreographed tour that could be interpreted as a “Quad Minus One” initiative. By engaging India, Japan, and Australia—while bypassing the U.S.—Canada appears to be signaling its intent to strengthen high-level partnerships in defense, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals, without being overshadowed by Washington.

Indian geopolitical analyst Brahma Chelani describes Carney’s tour as “a clear operational proof of Canada’s ‘third-way’ approach.” He notes that the visit reflects Canada’s effort to shift from dependency to strategic flexibility, rebalancing its position in the Indo-Pacific while remaining part of the global power conversation.

Addressing the Khalistan Issue

During discussions, Canada has also indicated a growing understanding of India’s concerns regarding Khalistan supporters on Canadian soil. Indian Ambassador Dinesh Patnaik told Vienna that Canadian authorities are now actively collaborating with India to address potential threats. The visit coincides with ongoing high-level consultations between India’s NSA Ajit Doval and Canadian officials, including Public Safety Minister and NSA Nathalie Drouin, resulting in a joint action framework against extremist networks.

Carney’s Vision for Canada

A statement from the Canadian Prime Minister’s office emphasized Canada’s goal of building a stronger, more independent, and resilient economy in an increasingly fragmented world. Carney’s tour from February 26 to March 7, 2026 aims to unlock new opportunities in trade, energy, technology, and defense for Canadian workers and businesses, while deepening ties with the country’s three most influential Indo-Pacific partners.

“Through this visit, Canada seeks to engage the region on its own terms, enhancing security and prosperity for both our nation and our global partners,” the statement said.