Canada’s Carney Seeks to Strengthen Ties with India Amidst Trump Trade Concerns
Mumbai, India – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Mumbai on Friday, kicking off a trip to India and, subsequently, Australia and Japan, aimed at bolstering trade relationships as concerns mount over escalating trade tensions with the United States. The visit marks a significant effort to diversify Canada’s economic partnerships and repair strained relations with New Delhi.
The trip comes as Carney’s government navigates a challenging geopolitical landscape, particularly with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s increasingly protectionist policies. Trump has repeatedly suggested Canada should be “the 51st state,” and recently threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods in response to a proposed trade deal with China.
“Donald Trump’s rhetoric and policies are clearly pushing Canada to diversify its economic and trade relations,” explained Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University. “Not only with other non-US Western countries but also countries like China and India.”
The push for stronger ties with India also represents a concerted effort to mend fences after a period of significant diplomatic friction. Last year, relations plummeted following allegations by Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, of Indian government involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader near Vancouver. New Delhi vehemently denied the accusations, alleging that Trudeau’s government harbored extremists.
The fallout led to the expulsion of diplomats and a severe strain on bilateral relations. However, both countries agreed to restore diplomatic services last year.
The situation is sensitive, with some within the Sikh community expressing disappointment with Carney’s approach, viewing it as appeasement. Danish Singh, President of the World Sikh Organization of Canada, stated, “We are deeply disappointed by this government’s absolute capitulation and appeasement… Activists are continuing to be harassed.”
Beyond the diplomatic complexities, the visit underscores Canada’s broader economic strategy. Carney has set a goal to double Canada’s non-U.S. exports within the next decade, citing the negative impact of American tariffs on investment. In 2024, India was Canada’s seventh-largest trading partner.
This isn’t the only instance of allegations against Indian officials regarding potential cross-border operations. U.S. prosecutors in 2023 revealed an alleged Indian government-directed plot to assassinate another Sikh separatist leader in New York, with a man from India admitting to conspiring to hire a hitman.
Despite these concerns, experts believe a pragmatic approach is necessary. “Cordial relations with countries like India are at the heart of the Davos doctrine enunciated by Carney,” said Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto. “India would at least be open to discussions given the effect of Trump’s tariff warfare.”
Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree acknowledged that “a lot more work” remains to ensure the safety of individuals in Canada who may be targeted by Indian government agents.
