In a glowing endorsement from across the globe, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has showered praise on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s exceptional leadership and governance track record. Speaking at the Lowy Institute think-tank in Sydney, Australia, Carney highlighted Modi’s relentless work ethic, his unique discipline, and his ability to maintain an intense political schedule while staying connected to the grassroots.
Carney recounted his recent interactions with Modi, marveling at the leader’s unbroken streak: ‘It’s been 25 years, and he hasn’t taken a single day off—whether as Gujarat’s Chief Minister or as India’s Prime Minister.’ He emphasized Modi’s massive political reach, noting how the PM hits the campaign trail weekly, drawing crowds of 250,000 at rallies across the nation.
Delving deeper, Carney praised the vision behind India’s economic reforms and digital transformation. ‘He’s a leader who delivers results,’ Carney said, pointing to initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) that ensure benefits reach rural homes and street-level citizens without leakage. Reforms in financial systems, payment infrastructures like UPI, and real-time transactions have brought millions into the formal economy.
What impressed Carney most was Modi’s balance: commanding global diplomacy while keeping a ground-level perspective. ‘On one hand, he’s leading the rise of emerging India on world stages; on the other, he’s tirelessly improving everyday lives,’ Carney noted. He also commended India’s long-standing strategic foresight, from non-alignment since 1947 to anticipating today’s geopolitical shifts.
Looking ahead, Carney sees vast potential for Canada-India collaboration in new technologies and strategic sectors, especially AI, where flexibility and partnership are key. Acknowledging recent tensions, he affirmed both governments’ commitment to rebuilding ties. ‘In the past 11 months, we’ve made significant economic and security progress—much more to do,’ he concluded, signaling Ottawa’s desire for stronger Delhi relations.