Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has highlighted significant progress in strengthening ties with India as part of a broader strategy to reduce Canada’s reliance on the United States for trade. Speaking to reporters after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, Carney noted that Canada is actively building new partnerships globally, particularly in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region, which accounts for 60 percent of the global economy.

Carney stated, "Progress which we have been making with India is especially encouraging." He mentioned that while he did not meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly at the summit, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and other cabinet members have been engaged with their Indian counterparts to advance bilateral relations.

The Prime Minister's Office emphasized Canada’s goal to double non-U.S. exports within the next decade, focusing on unlocking new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses across the Indo-Pacific. Carney remarked, "The Indo-Pacific presents enormous opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses. Canada is ready to seize these opportunities — and play to win."

Carney's comments come amid rising trade tensions with the U.S., following President Donald Trump's decision to terminate trade negotiations with Canada, citing what he termed Canada’s "egregious behaviour." Despite these challenges, Canada is determined to strengthen its trade relations with other countries, particularly India, which offers a growing market for Canadian goods and services.

Since taking office in March 2025, Carney has worked to mend the strained relationship with India, which had deteriorated under the previous government. Tensions escalated in 2023 when then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, allegations that India dismissed as "absurd."

Relations began to improve after Carney met Modi at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis earlier this year, leading to the restoration of high commissioners in both countries and renewed diplomatic dialogue. In October, Foreign Minister Anita Anand visited India, where she held discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, unveiling a roadmap for enhanced cooperation in trade and energy.

Looking ahead, further high-level visits are planned, and Carney has been invited to the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February 2026, indicating a positive trajectory in Canada-India relations. Carney concluded, "It can’t happen overnight, but we are moving very fast."