Prime Minister of Canada

Current Context: Mark Carney led Canada’s Liberal Party to victory in the 2025 federal election, marking a significant political shift amid tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump.

• Liberal Party Victory: Secured 169 out of 343 seats in Parliament.

Background:

• Professional Experience:
  • Former Governor of the Bank of Canada.
  • Former Governor of the Bank of England.
  • Experience in managing the 2008 financial crisis and the Brexit referendum.
• Political Milestone: First Canadian Prime Minister without prior Cabinet experience.

India-Canada Relations:

• Past Strains:
  • Trudeau’s comments on India’s farmer protests (2020).
  • Khalistan issue and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar (2023).
  • India rejected Trudeau’s claims and accused him of vote bank politics.

Indian Diaspora in Canada:

• Population: Approximately 3 million Indians reside in Canada.
• Students: Around 427,000 Indian students, mainly from Punjab, study in Canada.
• Economic Contribution: Indian students contribute between $8–20 billion annually to the Canadian economy.

India-Canada Trade Relations:

• Free Trade Agreement (CEPA):
  • Talks initiated in 2008.
  • Progress halted after the Nijjar incident in 2023.
  • Carney’s leadership may help restart and complete CEPA talks.
• Trade Figures:
  • Total trade in 2023–24: $8.4 billion (up from $8.3 billion).
  • India’s imports from Canada: $4.6 billion.
  • Exports to Canada: $3.8 billion.