It appears that many Canadians remain hesitant about the federal government’s effort to rebuild relations with India.
A survey by the Angus Reid Institute found that a majority of respondents have an unfavourable view of India, while only 30 percent were favourable.
Twenty per cent even say that they perceive India as an enemy or potential threat to Canada.
Yet, at the same time, a majority of 53 per cent of Canadians say that in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war, now is the right time for renewing the partnership with India.
For Shachi Kurl, the president of the public opinion research organization, the numbers show that Canadians are currently following a pragmatic course.
“It is the trade-off or the balance between recognizing that Canada needs other business partners in the world, especially at a time when things are at the stage and place they are with the United States,” Kurl said.
“But at the same time, you aren’t necessarily rushing with open arms towards a wholehearted blanket embracing of the government in New Delhi.”
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The poll’s release coincides with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s trip to India and his announcement of having closed several trade agreements with the country.
While the numbers indicate that Canadians understand the reason for Carney’s trade mission, 58 per cent say Ottawa needs to act cautiously in economic negotiations with India.
She says the sentiment stems from India’s alleged involvement in terrorism on Canadian soil.
Kurl especially refers to when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey in 2023.
“You don’t necessarily see a really high level of warming towards India prior to the 2023 breakdown over allegations of national security problems,” Kurl told 1130 NewsRadio in an interview.
The incident resulted in tensions between the two countries, with both nations pulling diplomatic staff from their embassies and consulates and suspending travel visas.
Carney, who has made an effort to renew relations with the South Asian country, has been criticized by several Sikh activists for not requesting accountability from its Indian counterpart.
“Despite the fact that there is a majority who say yes, it is time to start reengaging with India at a diplomatic level and at the highest diplomatic level, Prime Minister to Prime Minister, you don’t necessarily see a really high level of warming towards India,” expert Kurl explained.
However, in comparison to the U.S., the poll shows that India still has a better standing than the southern neighbour, with 36 per cent of respondents saying that the U.S. poses a greater threat to Canadian interests than India.
“The level of Canadian cynicism, antipathy, and unfavorability towards Trump is so high and so consistent across the political spectrum in this country,” she said.
And Kurl says that this is not going to change anytime soon.
“I would point out there is a difference in the way Canadians see Americans, the people versus the government,” she added.
– With files from David Nadalini.