Highlights:
- Canadian prime minister Carney highlights “progress” with India amid U.S. trade tensions.
- Canada aims to diversify partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.
- Free trade deal signed with Indonesia; talks ongoing with the Philippines and Thailand.
- Canadian Foreign Minister Anand met India’s S. Jaishankar to boost trade, energy, and minerals cooperation.
- Efforts are part of Canada’s strategy to reduce reliance on the United States and strengthen global ties.
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney has highlighted the “progress” Canada is making with India while emphasizing the country’s efforts to expand partnerships abroad amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States.
Carney’s remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump terminated all trade negotiations with Ottawa, citing “egregious behavior” following an anti-tariff advertisement by Ontario. Carney later apologized for the ad, attempting to smooth ties with Washington.
Speaking after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, Carney pointed to Canada’s free trade deal with Indonesia, ongoing talks with the Philippines and Thailand, and a “turning point” in relations with China.
He noted the growing engagement with India, saying, “Progress which we have been making with India… So I didn't meet directly with Prime Minister Modi here, but the foreign minister and other ministers have been meeting with India.”
Carney stressed the long-term strategy, explaining that Canada aims to strengthen domestic resilience while building global partnerships, reducing reliance on the United States. “It can’t happen overnight, but we’re moving very fast,” he said.
The focus on India comes after Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand visited New Delhi last month and met with Indian external affairs minister S. Jaishankar, unveiling an ambitious roadmap to enhance cooperation in trade, critical minerals, and energy. The initiative seeks to rebuild ties affected by tensions following the 2023 killing of a Sikh separatist.
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