India No Longer Sees Canada as ‘America’s Little Brother,’ Says Indian Envoy; Trump’s Policies Shook Old Alliances

Ottawa: India’s view of Canada as merely “America’s little brother” is changing, according to India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik. Relations between the two countries had hit a low in 2023, when former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau repeatedly leveled unsubstantiated allegations against India, including over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. At that time, the U.S. appeared to side with Canada.

However, the dynamics have shifted. Former U.S. President Donald Trump not only shook India-U.S. relations but also disrupted the long-standing “brotherly” ties between the U.S. and Canada. Patnaik told Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail that under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s leadership, Canada is taking a more independent stance. Trudeau’s policies had strained ties with India to the extent that both nations had expelled diplomats in retaliation, while openly supporting Khalistani factions. Trump’s election and subsequent policies forced Trudeau to resign, paving the way for a reset in Canada-India relations.

Trade Talks and Upcoming Diplomatic Visit

India recently concluded a major trade deal with the European Union, and Canada is now working to finalize its own trade agreement with India, which Trudeau had previously stalled. Patnaik confirmed that trade negotiations are resuming and added that Canadian Prime Minister Carney is expected to visit India in March. If he travels, it will mark India’s first high-level diplomatic visit from Canada in nearly two years.

The High Commissioner also expressed hope that Carney’s visit could coincide with announcements on uranium supply deals. Previously, reports suggested that both countries were close to finalizing a deal worth approximately $2.8 billion.

Carney’s recent statements at the World Economic Forum have been praised for their independent stance, and they drew sharp criticism from Trump, who had repeatedly targeted Canada over trade and military agreements, even threatening tariffs over potential deals with China.

Patnaik emphasized that the India-Canada relationship is now on a path to recovery, with renewed diplomatic and trade engagements signaling a new chapter in bilateral ties.