Why does Canada want to build closer ties with India and China? This move comes amid Trump tariffs.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Canada is now working to strengthen its ties with China and India, while its trade relationship with the United States is in a fragile state. US President Donald Trump recently imposed new tariffs on China, causing markets to plummet.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is traveling to New Delhi, Mumbai, Singapore, and Hangzhou, China, this week to boost trade and investment with Asian countries. This trip is challenging for Anand, as Canada's relations with China and India are already strained. Furthermore, any move with China carries the risk of a US response.

Trump threatened China

"Canada will always prioritize the interests of its workers and businesses in every country it interacts with. This is the policy of a sovereign nation," Anita said. This policy under Prime Minister Mark Carney differs from Justin Trudeau's foreign policy, which prioritizes economic interests.

Trump recently threatened to impose additional tariffs of up to 100% on Chinese products, though he later hinted at a compromise. Canada has previously tried to maintain a balance between the US and China. Restrictions on Chinese imports of steel, aluminum, and electric vehicles remain in place.

Canada wants new trade deal with US

Canada is seeking a new trade agreement with the United States to relieve Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum. China has retaliated by imposing tariffs on Canadian canola, pork, and seafood, but recently extended a deadline for canola inspections, raising hopes for talks.

Canadian Prime Minister Carney has hinted at the potential for cooperation with China in the energy sector. He is pushing to increase the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Asian countries. At the same time, efforts are underway to restart stalled trade talks with India in 2023.

Why was the India-Canada deal stalled?

At the time, Trudeau accused India of killing a Sikh separatist, a charge Prime Minister Narendra Modi denied. Now, under the Carney government, the two countries have appointed new ambassadors and established a framework for sharing information on cross-border crimes.

Anita Anand said she recently met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and will discuss the matter again during this visit. She said, "In 2023, our diplomatic relations were virtually at a standstill. But now, two years later, our High Commissioner is back in office, and I myself am visiting India. It's a step-by-step process."

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