Carney says Canada making 'progress' in rebuilding ties with India, moving fast to reduce US dependence

Canada's Carney highlights progress in India ties amid push to cut US dependence

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has highlighted the “progress” his government has made in rebuilding ties with India, saying it forms a key part of Canada’s strategy to diversify trade and lessen dependence on the United States. Speaking to reporters after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, Carney said the approach was already showing results.

“We are building new partnerships with countries around the world, and there is no better place to do that than in the fastest-growing region, which represents 60 percent of the global economy,” he said, referring to the Asia-Pacific.

He pointed to several recent developments, including a free trade agreement with Indonesia, ongoing talks with the Philippines and Thailand, and what he described as “a turning point” in Canada’s relations with China.

“Progress which we have been making with India... So I didn’t meet directly with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi here, (but) the foreign minister, other ministers have been meeting with India,” he added.

Carney reiterated that his government’s economic strategy is aimed at strengthening Canada’s domestic economy while expanding its international partnerships to “reduce our reliance on the United States.” He added, “It can’t happen overnight, but we’re moving very fast.”

His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the termination of all trade negotiations with Canada, accusing Ottawa of “egregious behaviour.” The move followed an anti-tariff advertisement aired in Ontario, prompting Carney to apologise publicly to Trump. The two leaders had met at the White House just weeks earlier.

Despite the tensions with Washington, Ottawa remains committed to doubling non-U.S. exports within the next decade. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office reaffirmed Canada’s intent to “unlock new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses across the Indo-Pacific.”

Since taking office in March 2025, Carney has worked to repair strained relations with India that deteriorated under the previous government following allegations made by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2023 regarding the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, claims New Delhi dismissed as “absurd and motivated.”

Bilateral ties began to improve after Carney met Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis earlier this year, leading to the reinstatement of high commissioners and renewed dialogue between both nations.

In October, Foreign Minister Anita Anand visited New Delhi for talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The two sides announced a roadmap to enhance cooperation in trade, critical minerals, and energy, marking a concrete step toward rebuilding trust.

“The Indo-Pacific presents enormous opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses,” Carney said. “Canada is ready to seize these opportunities, and play to win.”