Canada is working to rebuild its relationships with China and India, even as it navigates tense trade talks with the United States. Foreign Minister Anita Anand is visiting New Delhi, Mumbai, Singapore, and Hangzhou this week to explore new trade and investment opportunities.
Anand faces a tough challenge — improving ties with Asia’s two biggest economies without upsetting U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently threatened 100% tariffs on Chinese goods. Despite these risks, she said Canada will act independently and put its workers and businesses first.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has shifted Canada’s foreign policy to focus on economic interests, moving away from Justin Trudeau’s approach. Carney’s government continues to support tariffs on Chinese steel, aluminium, and electric vehicles, while also seeking cooperation with China on energy and climate change.
Canada is also slowly rebuilding ties with India, two years after relations soured over Trudeau’s claim that India was involved in a Sikh leader’s killing. Both countries have now restored ambassadors and are preparing for renewed dialogue.
Anand said Canada is taking a “step-by-step approach” and hopes trade talks with India will follow once diplomatic progress is made.
