For much of the past 80 years, Canada’s place in the world — as a middle power anchored in the North Atlantic alliance — has been shaped by its proximity to the United States and its integration with Western institutions. But as global power dynamics shift and uncertainties multiply, it is time for Canada to re-evaluate its assumptions — and one of those must include a pragmatic and forward-looking approach to India.

Whoever forms the Canadian government after the April 28 election must come to terms with a new global reality: India is not just a rising power but an essential partner in shaping the emerging world order. Our growing economy, regional influence, demographic strength, and commitment to reforming global governance make India far too important for Canada to overlook or marginalise.

Two decades ago, India’s economy was smaller than Canada’s. Today, it is almost twice its size, and already the world’s fifth-largest economy, en route to becoming the third. Alongside this economic ascent, India has steadily emerged as a geopolitical actor — confident, self-reliant, and increasingly central to the Indo-Pacific’s future. Any serious Canadian engagement with Asia must begin with understanding India on its own terms — its history, aspirations, and the democratic dynamism that drives it.

Yet, India-Canada relations remain........

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