Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit India in early March to boost trade relations, following his strong remarks about the unpredictable nature of US trade policy under Donald Trump. The upcoming trip aims to expand bilateral trade, with Canada seeking to diversify its global partnerships. Agreements on energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies are expected, including a potential 10-year uranium supply deal valued at approximately $2.8 billion Canadian dollars.^[1][2][3][4] ### Carney Criticizes US Trade Stance Prime Minister Carney recently told the Canadian House of Commons that "nothing is normal" in the United States when dealing with the Trump administration on trade. He emphasized that the global landscape, particularly Washington's approach, has fundamentally shifted. "The world has changed. Washington has changed. There's almost nothing normal in the United States now. That's the truth," Carney said in French.^[2][3] His comments followed an address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Carney stated that the US-led rules-based international order was undergoing a "rupture, not a transition." He declared that "the old order is not coming back."^[2][3][5] These statements drew a sharp response from Donald Trump, who remarked, "Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements."^[6][7] Carney later confirmed he stood by his Davos remarks during a phone call with Trump, despite claims from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that he had "aggressively" walked back his comments. Carney explicitly denied retracting any part of his speech. "To be absolutely clear, and I said this to the president. I meant what I said in Davos," Carney told reporters in Ottawa.^{[3][6][8][9][7]} ### Diversifying Trade Amid Tariff Threats The Canadian Prime Minister views Trump's recent threats of 100 percent tariffs on Canadian goods as part of broader negotiations. These discussions are happening ahead of a formal review of the Canada-US-Mexico Trade Agreement (CUSMA) scheduled for July.^[1][8][9] Trump had previously threatened these tariffs if Canada pursued a free trade deal with China. Carney clarified that Canada adheres to its CUSMA commitments and has no intention of pursuing a free trade agreement with China.^{[10][6][9][7]} Canada has actively worked to diversify its trade relationships. Over the past six months, the Carney government has signed 12 new trade and security deals across four continents.^[1][5][11] This push for diversification is a direct response to global trade uncertainties and the impact of US tariffs on the Canadian economy.^[11][7] ### India Visit Signals Reset in Relations Carney's upcoming visit to India in March is a significant step in repairing and expanding bilateral trade ties. Relations between Ottawa and New Delhi have been strained for over two years, with a diplomatic pause during the tenure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.^{[2][3][12][11]} The relationship faced a major rift in 2023 after Canada publicly accused the Indian government of involvement in the murder of a Canadian Sikh separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on Canadian soil. India denied these allegations, leading to diplomatic expulsions by both countries.^[11] Since taking office, Prime Minister Carney has prioritized mending diplomatic and economic engagement with India. He accepted an invitation to visit India in early 2026, with reports suggesting he might attend a major artificial intelligence summit in New Delhi.^[12][13] India is also actively diversifying its trade partners. The country faced a 50 percent tariff from the US in August and recently finalized a comprehensive trade deal with the European Union. India also concluded a comprehensive trade deal with the United Kingdom last year and is reportedly close to a deal with Australia.^[11] The upcoming discussions are expected to cover a wide range of sectors. India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, indicated that agreements on uranium supply, oil and gas, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, education, and cultural cooperation are anticipated.^[4] The proposed 10-year uranium supply deal, worth approximately $2.8 billion Canadian dollars, highlights the potential for significant economic cooperation.^[4] This visit underscores Canada's strategic pivot towards strengthening partnerships with major global economies like India. It reflects a broader effort to navigate a changing international trade landscape marked by protectionist tendencies and geopolitical shifts. Both nations aim to leverage this renewed engagement for mutual economic benefit and stability.

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