Mark Carney has officially taken over from Justin Trudeau as Canada’s Prime Minister, marking a potential reset in the country’s strained relationship with India.

Carney, who previously pledged to mend ties with India during his campaign, is expected to take a more diplomatic approach. On Sunday, the Liberal Party elected Carney as its new leader in a landslide victory, securing 85.9% of the votes.

With trade tensions with the U.S. mounting and a federal election on the horizon, his leadership comes at a crucial time for Canada’s global standing. Speaking in Calgary, Alberta, Carney emphasized his vision for expanding trade partnerships beyond North America, with India being a key focus.

“What Canada will be looking to do is to diversify our trading relationships with like-minded countries, and there are opportunities to rebuild the relationship with India,” Carney told CPAC when asked about U.S. tariffs.

“There needs to be a shared sense of values around that commercial relationship, and if I am Prime Minister, I look forward to the opportunity to build that,” he added. The diplomatic freeze between Canada and India dates back to September 18, 2023, when Trudeau claimed in the House of Commons that there were “credible allegations” linking Indian agents to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.

The fallout led to a sharp downturn in relations, including trade talks being put on ice. Trudeau, who stepped down in January, will remain in office until Carney’s swearing-in ceremony. All eyes are now on Carney’s next moves as Canada navigates its shifting geopolitical alliances.