NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India this week promises to reset diplomatic ties and unlock extensive trade opportunities between the two nations. According to Dinesh Patnaik, India’s high commissioner to Canada, the agenda is expansive, likely including agreements on nuclear power, oil, and critical minerals among others.

Patnaik highlighted that the visit may formalize cooperation in fields such as research, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and education. Notably, this visit is expected to include a significant deal aimed at expanding Canada’s uranium shipments to India. In line with India’s energy needs, discussions will also revolve around the purchase of Canadian heavy crude and investments in infrastructure like pipelines and terminals.

This diplomatic visit marks a drastic shift from the tense relationship a year ago when Canada expelled six Indian officials over allegations linked to violence and intimidation against Canadian citizens. The strained ties reached a breaking point following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement concerning alleged links between the Indian government and the murder of a Sikh activist in British Columbia.

With Carney stepping in as Prime Minister, high commissioner Patnaik confidently stated, “We are looking at a total reset of the relationship.” He emphasized that both nations, despite their size and population differences, have a shared destiny that necessitates collaboration.

Carney is expected to depart for India on Thursday and will continue his trip to Australia and Japan. This visit underscores his government’s trade-centric foreign policy, aiming to overcome the challenges of the past. Talks regarding a long-negotiated free trade agreement could be reinitiated during this trip, with optimistic projections that a deal could be signed within the coming year. Patnaik asserted that the political landscape has evolved, with recent significant agreements by India with the European Union demonstrating a changing dynamic in international trade relations.