Prime Minister Mark Carney cancelled what would have been his first formal press conference since arriving in India last week, citing scheduling pressures at the close of a series of high level meetings in New Delhi.
The Prime Minister’s Office informed Canadian journalists travelling with him that extended bilateral discussions limited the time available before departure. Officials said delaying the Royal Canadian Air Force flight to accommodate a news conference was not feasible as Carney wrapped up the India leg of his broader tri nations tour.
As a result, Carney has not taken questions from Canadian reporters since last Wednesday, when he departed for India. The cancellation comes as his government works to stabilize relations with New Delhi while advancing trade, education and investment priorities.
Trade reset central to India visit
Carney’s trip to India marked a focused effort to rebuild Canada India ties after a period of diplomatic strain. In meetings in New Delhi and Mumbai, Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to work toward concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by 2026. The proposed deal aims to expand bilateral trade and strengthen economic cooperation.
The visit also highlighted collaboration in technology, clean energy, artificial intelligence, hydrogen development and supply chain resilience. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand outlined new academic partnerships under Canada’s Indo Pacific Strategy, including expanded research exchanges. International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu promoted Canadian fintech firms and met with major Canadian pension funds operating in India.
The government positioned the visit as part of a broader strategy to diversify trade relationships and deepen engagement in the Indo Pacific region, with India viewed as a key economic partner.
Security concerns raised during ministerial briefings
Although Carney did not hold a press conference, ministers travelling with him faced questions from reporters on allegations of foreign interference, extortion and attacks on Canadians by foreign actors on Canadian soil.
Anand and Sidhu both stated that elected officials do not interfere in law enforcement investigations. They emphasized that police and national security agencies operate independently and that the government’s role is to ensure institutions have the tools required to protect Canadians.
