Is Canada turning to India to counter Trump? PM Carney to visit New Delhi as US imposes 35% tariffs | World News
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit New Delhi soon, marking a strategic pivot towards India at a time when Ottawa faces increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik, the visit will likely take place in the first week of March, after India presents the Union Budget on February 1. According to HT news, the two countries are expected to sign agreements on uranium, energy, minerals and artificial intelligence.
Timing of the meeting
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The visit comes as both countries face increasing trade pressure from the United States under the administration of President Donald Trump. For India, Canada’s support represents an additional diplomatic and economic opportunity on top of the trade deal New Delhi has concluded with the European Union. The move reflects growing urgency to diversify partnerships beyond the United States, according to Ottawa.
Trump’s tariff threats
Canada now faces a 35 percent tax on its goods going to America; a big change after decades of close ties. India faces 50 percent tariffs, half of which come from the purchase of Russian oil.
Canada’s move towards India comes after Trump several times described Canada as a possible “51st state” of America; Comments that worry Canadian leaders. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said firmly in Davos: “Canada will never be the 51st state.” Reports say that following Trump’s comments, the Canadian military is even looking at what would happen if America attacked.
china problem
Trump has threatened to impose a 100 percent tariff on Canadian goods if Canada becomes a “drop point” for Chinese products entering the United States. The warning comes after Canada agreed to allow 49,000 Chinese electric cars in each year in exchange for food trade benefits.
Even though there is a huge trade between Canada and America, and America sold $280 billion to Canada and bought $322 billion from Canada last year, Trump does not like the deals Canada made with China.
Pressure beyond tariffs
Experts such as Wesley Wark of the Center for International Governance Innovation say that while the chances of military intervention are slim, Canada faces real threats from economic pressure. This includes possible American demands for Canada’s water, energy and minerals, as well as America’s possible support for independence movements in Alberta and Quebec.
Making new friends
Prime Minister Carney’s planned visit to New Delhi follows talks between External Affairs Minister Anand and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations.
Finding new trading partners for Canada has become urgent. For India, working more closely with a major developed country helps expand its trade relations in uncertain times.
