Gyeongju [South Korea], November 2 (ANI): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday emphasised the 'progress' his government has made in strengthening ties with India, as part of Canada's broader effort to reduce its dependence on trade with the United States.

Speaking to reporters in Gyeongju, Carney said the strategy was already showing results, citing the 'progress which we have been making with India.' He added that Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and other cabinet members have been engaging with their Indian counterparts to advance this plan.

Carney noted that his government's approach is focused on both domestic and international efforts -- to strengthen the economy at home while 'build[ing] these partnerships abroad, reduce our reliance on the United States.'

In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office said, 'As we pursue our ambitious new mission to double our non-US exports in the next decade, Canada's new government is focused on working with partners across the Indo-Pacific to unlock new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses.'

'The Indo-Pacific presents enormous opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses. Canada is ready to seize these opportunities and play to win,' Carney added.

Carney's efforts to diversify Canada's trade relations are driven by the need to reduce dependence on the US market. With the US imposing tariffs and trade tensions escalating, Canada is looking to strengthen ties with other countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. India, with its growing economy and large market, presents a significant opportunity for Canada to expand its trade and investment portfolio.

Since taking office in March of this year, Carney has led a gradual reset in Canada's relationship with India, which had deteriorated under the previous Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. Tensions escalated in September 2023 after Trudeau told the Canadian Parliament that there were 'credible allegations' linking Indian agents to the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.

India rejected those claims as 'absurd' and 'motivated.' The situation worsened in October 2023 when India withdrew six diplomats after Canada requested a waiver of their immunity to allow questioning in connection with criminal activity in the country. Ottawa's move prompted New Delhi to expel six Canadian diplomats in response.

Relations began to improve after Prime Minister Carney met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis in June. The meeting resulted in the restoration of high commissioners to both capitals, signalling a step toward normalising diplomatic engagement.

A 'systematic approach' to rebuilding ties has been evident in a series of recent high-level visits. In October, Foreign Minister Anita Anand visited India, where she met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Around the same time, Goyal also held discussions with Canada's Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu.

Further visits by senior officials from both sides are expected later this year. India has also invited Prime Minister Carney to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February next year. (ANI)