To Surveys
Report keystone

Half of Canadians say Restoring Diplomatic Ties with India was 'Right Move' as Economic Issues Take Priority: Poll

Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
October 13, 2025
Download the full report

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is making Canada's the first ministerial-level trip to India in two years in mid-October 2025 as the Canada-India relationship continues to thaw after a lengthy freeze during the end of previous Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s time in office. 

New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute, in partnership with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, finds that Canadians believe – by a two-to-one margin (51% to 22%) – it was the “right move” rather than the wrong one to restore ties with India. The two countries had recalled diplomats after Trudeau levelled allegations that India was involved in the killing of a Canadian Sikh activist in Canada in 2023.

Alongside this openness to reconnection, Canadians are expressing notes of caution. A majority (54%) have unfavourable views of India, and three-in-five (59%) believe Canada should approach the world’s most populous country at least with caution (35%) or as a potential threat or enemy (23%).

There is also evidence that Canadians’ priorities in the relationship between Canada and India have also shifted in the wake of the economic upheaval caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. When asked what should be most important to Canada in its relationship with India, Canadians are split evenly between saying the rule of law (52%) and trade opportunities (48%). Last year, the balance was much more towards the former (62%) than the latter (38%).

More Key Findings

  • Canadians are split as to whether India is “as good a trade partner as any” (38%) or one Canada should avoid (34%).
     
  • Prior to the allegations of India’s involvement in the murder – levelled by Trudeau – Canadians were as likely to view India favourably (44%) as unfavourably (43%). Since then, unfavourable views have been the majority opinion.
     

For more findings on the overall relationship between Canada and India and Canadian perspectives on bilateral trade, please read this joint public opinion poll from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and the Angus Reid Institute.

Related Content