After Years Of Strain, Mark Carney Uses PM Modi's Historic Milestone To Signal India-Canada Reset

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday received a flurry of congratulatory messages from leaders across the globe as he turned India’s longest-serving elected head of government, completing 12 consecutive years in office.

Among those who greeted PM Modi was Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who highlighted the renewed momentum in the partnership between New Delhi and Ottawa.

In a post on ‘X’, Carney wrote: “Congratulations, Prime Minister @narendramodi, on becoming the longest-serving uninterrupted Indian prime minister in office.”

Félicitations, Monsieur le Premier Ministre @narendramodi, d’être devenu le premier ministre indien ayant exercé ces fonctions le plus longtemps sans interruption.

À l’heure où le Canada et l’Inde renouvellent leur

partenariat, je me réjouis à l’idée de poursuivre le travail que…

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) June 10, 2026

PM Carney expressed optimism that the two nations would continue to work together in their respective national interests.

“At a time when Canada and India are renewing their partnership, I am delighted at the prospect of continuing the work we are doing together to ensure greater prosperity for the people of our two countries”, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 4,399 days in office on Wednesday, as he surpassed the record of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru — India’s first Prime Minister — as the elected head of government.

On May 26, 2014, Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister after the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) stormed to power, ended a decade-long rule of the Congress.

Attempt To Repair Fractured Ties?

Carney’s approach towards the ties with India marks a shift from the previous phase of strained relations, which had been characterised by diplomatic friction and disagreements over multiple issues.

The shift can also be defined by Carney-led government’s efforts to repair strained relations with India in the aftermath of the trade war started by U.S. President Donald Trump in early 2025.

Back in February, the Canadian PM made an official visit to India, marking his first trip to the country since assuming the office. The visit signaled a major diplomatic reset as both sides reaffirmed partnership and vowed to continue strategic cooperation.

Mark Carney’s trip represented the first bilateral visit of a Canadian Prime Minister in eight years, underlining Ottawa’s intent to bolster relations with one of the fastest-growing economies in the face of evolving global trade dynamics.

How India-Canada Ties Saw Tough Times Under Trudeau?

Under the previous Canadian government, led by Justin Trudeau, ties between India and Canada had deteriorated to exchange of accusations and expulsion of diplomats, since the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.

Following his assassination, the influential Sikh community in Canada started pressuring the Trudeau administration, seeking accountability.

According to multiple media reports, Trudeau couldn’t afford to disappoint the Sikh diaspora, given their significant electoral influence and cultural integration.

In October 2024, the then-Canadian PM stated there were “ever clearer indications”, suggesting India’s role in the killing of Nijjar.

“India’s actions were a “horrific mistake”, he had said.

India had outright rejected the allegations, describing them as “preposterous”. At the same time, it urged Ottawa to take action against anti-Indian elements operating from its soil.