Canadian views of India have improved from a 2024 low, but just 5% of respondents selected it for closer trade, underscoring the gap between sentiment and trade preference.
A joint survey by the Angus Reid Institute and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada found that 36% of respondents viewed India favorably. That was up from 26% in November 2024 and 29% in October 2025. The poll’s overall balance on India remained negative, with unfavorable assessments still more common than favorable ones.
The online poll collected responses between Oct. 29 and Nov. 4, 2026, from 1,609 Canadian adults drawn from the Angus Reid Forum. Its results were weighted to represent adults nationwide. China’s favorable rating was 38%, up from 15% in November 2024, while 25% of respondents viewed the United States favorably.
On the priorities for Canada’s relationship with India, 56% put trade and investment ahead of human rights and the rule of law. In the 2024 survey, 62% had placed greater weight on those rights and legal principles. But when asked which partners Canada should pursue for closer trade, 58% named the European Union and 5% India.
Against the backdrop of tensions between Canada and the United States, 36% said they were more supportive of increased trade with India, while 14% were less supportive. The Angus Reid report raised the U.S. tariff agenda as a possible influence on shifting views, but the survey cannot establish that tariffs caused the changes in opinion.
Canada and India are pursuing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has described a potential pact as an opportunity for Canadian businesses and workers. Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said the negotiations were advancing a government goal of raising two-way trade to $70 billion by 2030.
A readout from the Canadian prime minister’s office said Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stay in touch before Modi travels to Canada in December 2026. GAC said the two countries aim to finish negotiations by the end of 2026.
