Liberal Party Barred MP Chandra Arya Over Undisclosed India Trip: Report

The Liberal Party of Canada disqualified Ottawa-area MP Chandra Arya from seeking re-election under its banner in the 2025 federal election, citing concerns over an undisclosed trip to India last year, according reports.

Arya, who has represented the riding of Nepean since 2015, was barred from the party’s recent leadership race and prevented from running again in the April 28 election. Although the Liberals made the decision on March 20, they have not officially disclosed the reason for his disqualification. However, as per media reports Arya’s visit to India in August 2024, where he allegedly met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was a key factor behind the party’s move.

According to The Globe and Mail, Arya traveled to India without notifying Global Affairs Canada (GAC) despite escalating diplomatic tensions. The visit came shortly after Canada accused India of orchestrating the assassination of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, which significantly strained bilateral relations.

Responding to the reports, Arya rejected any suggestion of foreign influence, stating that it is common for Members of Parliament to meet with international leaders.

Today the Globe and Mail published an article on the Liberal Party revoking my candidacy to contest in the forthcoming election.
My statement issued to the newspaper:

“As a Member of Parliament, I have engaged with numerous diplomats and heads of government, both in Canada and… pic.twitter.com/WrXuHcvDrj

— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) March 26, 2025

“As a Member of Parliament, I have engaged with numerous diplomats and heads of government, both in Canada and internationally. Not once have I sought – nor been required to seek – permission from the government to do so,” Arya said in a statement to The Globe and Mail.

At a campaign event in Halifax on Tuesday, Liberal Leader and Prime Minister Mark Carney downplayed his knowledge of the situation, stating he was “not privy to the exact information” regarding Arya’s disqualification.

Carney, who recently obtained security clearance and has been briefed on sensitive matters, did not confirm whether Arya’s removal was linked to his alleged ties with the Modi government.

The decision to drop Arya comes as Carney prepares to run in Nepean for the April 28 by-election. The move could signal the party’s effort to distance itself from any potential controversy amid growing scrutiny over foreign interference in Canadian politics.