Canadian PM Praises Modis Leadership, Aims for Stronger Ties with India

Washington, March 5: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and governance record. Carney highlighted Modi’s consistent work ethic and his focus on reaching out to the public. He also indicated efforts to deepen relations between Ottawa and New Delhi.

Speaking at the Lowy Institute think tank in Sydney, Carney described Modi as a unique and highly disciplined leader who maintains an intensive political agenda.

Reflecting on his recent discussions with Modi, Carney remarked, “Look at that man; he is exceptional. I would say, you know, it has been 25 years, and he has not taken a single day off. For 25 years, whether as Chief Minister of Gujarat or as Prime Minister, he has not taken a day off.”

He noted that Modi’s political reach is extensive, with campaigns attracting up to 250,000 attendees weekly. Carney pointed out Modi’s ability to garner significant support across the nation.

Carney stated that his meetings with Modi provided insight into the governance vision behind India’s economic reforms and digital transformation, particularly the efforts focused on delivering benefits directly to households.

“He is a leader who emphasizes delivering results, whether for rural homes or the common person on the street,” Carney added.

He explained that under Modi’s leadership, financial and technological reforms aim to strengthen direct benefit transfers and reduce leakage in public spending.

Carney emphasized that the motivation behind financial reforms, changes in payment systems, and UPI is to ensure that money reaches people directly in real-time without leakage, bringing millions into the formal economy.

He expressed admiration for Modi’s ability to maintain a grassroots perspective while working at the highest levels of global diplomacy.

Commenting on Modi’s attention to citizens’ everyday concerns, Carney stated, “On one hand, he is leading ‘Emerging India’ on the global stage, which is very positive. On the other hand, he is a leader who continuously works to improve the lives of ordinary people.”

He suggested that India’s long-standing strategic perspective has anticipated many geopolitical changes that are now reshaping the international order.

Regarding the changing global landscape, he remarked, “His response might be to question why it took you so long to understand. After all, we have been non-aligned since gaining independence in 1947.”

Carney noted that there is significant potential for collaboration between Canada and India in new technologies and strategic areas. He mentioned that AI has many aspects where cooperation is possible, partly because Canada needs to bring resilience into AI.

He acknowledged that serious challenges have arisen in the relationship between the two countries, but both governments are working to rebuild the partnership.

Carney concluded, “In the past 11 months, there has been considerable progress in economic and security relations with India. There is no doubt that much more remains to be done.”