Canada PM Mark Carney Praises PM Modi’s Work Ethic and 25-Year Public Service
Canadian leader highlights PM Modi’s work ethic, praises UPI and rural-focused reforms during Sydney event
Sydney, Mar 5: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s work ethic and long public service, calling him a “unique” leader who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to governance for more than two decades.
Speaking at a seminar hosted by the Lowy Institute in Sydney on Wednesday, Carney shared details of his recent meeting with Modi during his visit to India. He said the Indian leader’s commitment to public life stood out, noting that Modi has remained active in politics without taking a break for 25 years, first as Gujarat chief minister and later as prime minister.
Carney said Modi continues to travel extensively to connect with citizens and often addresses large public gatherings during campaign events.
The Canadian prime minister also commended India’s progress in financial reforms, particularly the transformation of the digital payments ecosystem. He highlighted the success of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), describing it as a major step towards delivering benefits directly to citizens and expanding financial inclusion.
According to Carney, the system has helped bring millions of people into the formal economy while ensuring welfare benefits reach individuals without delays or leakages.
Carney’s visit to India was aimed at improving bilateral ties between the two countries after a period of strained relations. During the trip, both leaders oversaw the signing of several memorandums of understanding covering cooperation in areas such as technology and cultural exchanges.
He also described the engagement as the beginning of a “new era of partnership” between India and Canada. Carney said Canada is ready to support India’s energy requirements and confirmed that Canadian company Cameco has signed a long-term agreement to supply uranium to India.
Highlighting strong people-to-people connections, the Canadian leader noted that nearly two million Canadians have Indian roots, with frequent travel and exchanges strengthening the relationship between the two nations.
Carney further confirmed that discussions are underway to renew the defence cooperation agreement between India and Canada, signalling a renewed effort to deepen strategic ties.
