Canadian PM Highlights Progress with India Amid US Trade Tensions and Advances China Ties
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized progress in strengthening ties with India and accepted an invitation to visit China, while stressing the need to reduce Canada's economic reliance on the United States amid ongoing trade disputes. His remarks followed recent high-level meetings between Canadian and Indian officials aimed at revitalizing bilateral relations.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada has made progress in its relationship with India, although he did not personally meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during recent discussions. Canadian officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, have engaged with Indian leaders to revitalize the bilateral partnership. Carney stressed the importance of reducing dependence on the United States following escalating trade tensions, including U.S. tariff hikes and the cessation of trade talks amid controversies such as a tariff advertisement featuring former President Ronald Reagan. He also noted that Canada-China relations are at a turning point, accepting Chinese President Xi Jinping's invitation for a visit in 2026, despite past strains including the detainment and execution of Canadian citizens in China and alleged election interference. These moves form part of Canada's broader strategy to diversify and strengthen its international partnerships amidst shifting global trade dynamics and political challenges with the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump. The context of this diplomatic activity follows a period of strained India-Canada relations after allegations by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linking India to the killing of a Canadian citizen, which India denied. Carney’s government appears focused on building a more resilient and diverse international relationship portfolio in trade and diplomatic engagement.
