Speaking alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a joint press conference in Canberra, Carney said Canada would stand by its partners as tensions in the Middle East deepen following a large-scale military strike by the United States and Israel on Iran.“One can never categorically rule out participation,” Carney said when asked whether Canada could become directly involved in the conflict. He described the question as hypothetical but stressed that Canada remained committed to supporting its allies and protecting its national interests.“We will stand by our allies,” he said. “We will always defend Canadians.”Conflict dominates diplomatic visitCarney’s visit to Australia has been overshadowed by the widening war in the Middle East following the U.S.–Israeli strike on Iran that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, according to statements referenced during the visit.The Canadian leader said the strikes were “inconsistent with international law,” while also reiterating Canada’s long-standing position that Iran should not obtain a nuclear weapon.Carney said Canada supported efforts aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, though he described the situation as “another example of the failure of the international order.”Despite the rising tensions, the prime minister called for restraint and urged steps to reduce the risk of further escalation.Carney reiterated his call for “de-escalation” of the conflict, highlighting concerns that the confrontation could destabilise the broader Middle East and strain the international security system.Middle powers urged to cooperateDuring a speech to Australia’s parliament, Carney urged countries he described as “middle powers” to work more closely together in an international environment increasingly shaped by major geopolitical competition.He said nations such as Canada and Australia faced a choice between cooperating to help shape the evolving global order or allowing larger powers to set the rules.“In this brave new world, middle powers cannot simply build higher walls and retreat behind them. We must work together,” Carney told lawmakers.He said countries with similar political and economic values could help influence international governance through cooperation and coordinated policies.“Great powers can compel, but compulsion comes with costs, both reputational and financial,” he said, adding that countries such as Canada and Australia possessed the ability to convene partners because they were seen as reliable actors in international affairs.Carney said these countries could strengthen their influence by aligning their policies with their stated values and working collectively in multilateral forums.

Expanding economic and strategic cooperationCarney also highlighted plans for deeper cooperation between Canada and Australia across a range of sectors including defence, artificial intelligence and natural resources.He said the two countries intended to work together as “strategic collaborators” and pointed to the potential of combining their rare earth mineral resources, which are widely used in advanced technologies and clean energy systems.“We know we must work with others who share our values to build solid capabilities,” he told parliament, warning that countries risked being “caught between the hyperscalers and the hegemons” if they failed to strengthen partnerships.Carney’s visit forms part of a broader tour of the Asia-Pacific region aimed at expanding economic partnerships and reducing Canada’s reliance on the United States.

The trip comes amid strained relations between Ottawa and Washington. Carney has previously clashed with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened tariffs on Canadian goods and has at times suggested the possibility of annexing Canada.Earlier this year, speaking at the World Economic Forum in January, Carney warned that the U.S.-led global system of governance was undergoing what he described as “a rupture,” reflecting broader shifts in the balance of geopolitical power.

The decision, announced after high-level talks between the foreign ministers of both nations in New Delhi, marks the beginning of a renewed phase in bilateral relations following a period of tension.

The new agreement focuses on economic collaboration, technological innovation, and shared growth, reflecting the two countries’ mutual commitment to progress and partnership.

The meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand highlighted a spirit of optimism and forward-looking diplomacy. Both leaders agreed to work together in key areas such as trade, critical minerals, clean energy, education, and agricultural value chains.

The joint statement emphasized that this renewed cooperation aims to not only boost economic engagement but also create resilience against global uncertainties.

“Reviving this partnership will not only create opportunities for enhanced economic cooperation but also help mitigate vulnerabilities arising from shifting global alliances,” the statement read, underscoring a mutual understanding of the evolving global order.

This new roadmap represents an important milestone in bilateral relations, aligning both countries’ strategic interests and long-term economic goals.

Anand, in her remarks, praised India’s role as a crucial partner for Canada in the Indo-Pacific region. “Both of our governments agree on the importance of elevating the relationship,” she said, reaffirming Canada’s intent to foster deeper engagement and collaboration.

Her discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaishankar were described as warm and constructive, focusing on shared values such as democracy, multiculturalism, and sustainable development.

The renewed dialogue comes after nearly two years of strained relations, following allegations made in 2023 regarding the death of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India firmly denied any involvement in the incident, while expressing concern over the activities of certain extremist elements operating from Canadian soil. The new phase of diplomacy signals that both sides are ready to move beyond past misunderstandings and focus on building a future-oriented relationship grounded in mutual respect and cooperation.

The meeting between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis earlier this year played an instrumental role in restoring trust. Both leaders agreed that stronger engagement in areas like technology, education, and trade could bring tangible benefits to citizens of both nations.

Canada, with its strong academic institutions and technological capabilities, and India, with its vast talent pool and growing market, make natural partners in driving innovation and sustainable development.

Trade diversification remains a top priority for both nations, particularly as they navigate new global economic realities. With rising tariffs and shifting supply chains, India and Canada see value in developing alternative trade routes and exploring new sectors for cooperation.

India continues to be Canada’s largest source of international students and temporary foreign workers, strengthening cultural and educational ties that form the foundation of people-to-people relations. Meanwhile, Canada remains a vital market for Indian exports and agricultural imports, especially pulses such as lentils and yellow peas.

The roadmap also includes collaborative efforts in green energy, digital transformation, and climate action. Both countries are committed to advancing clean technologies and renewable energy partnerships that align with global sustainability goals.

Analysts view this as a mutually beneficial partnership, combining Canada’s expertise in sustainable resource management with India’s expanding energy and manufacturing sectors.

Beyond economics, the renewed partnership carries deep symbolic importance. It represents a shared desire to promote peace, cooperation, and inclusivity on the global stage.

The strong presence of the Indian diaspora in Canada, particularly the vibrant Sikh community, continues to serve as a bridge for cultural understanding and economic collaboration between the two nations.

As both governments turn the page on past challenges, the focus now rests on building a future defined by mutual respect, shared prosperity, and sustainable growth.

The India-Canada roadmap symbolizes not just diplomatic reconciliation, but a powerful commitment to global partnership and collective progress.