A new survey by the Angus Reid Institute, conducted in partnership with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, reveals that a majority of Canadians support Ottawa’s decision to restore diplomatic relations with India, signalling a pragmatic shift in public sentiment despite lingering distrust.
According to the poll, 51% of Canadians believe re-establishing formal ties was the “right move,” compared to 22% who say it was wrong — a margin of more than two to one.
The countries had withdrawn diplomats in 2023 after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia — a claim that severely strained bilateral relations.
⚖️ Support Comes with Caution
While most Canadians back diplomatic normalization, the report notes a clear undercurrent of scepticism.
- 54% of respondents hold an unfavourable view of India.
- 59% believe Canada should engage India either “with caution” (35%) or consider it a potential threat/enemy (23%).
Despite the cooling in public perception since 2023, analysts say the results show a shift from moral outrage to strategic realism — as economic and trade concerns take precedence.
💰 Economy Over Geopolitics
When asked about trade and investment ties, Canadians were split:
- 38% said India is “as good a trade partner as any,”
- while 34% felt it’s a partner Canada should “avoid.”
This reflects what the report describes as a “reluctant pragmatism” among Canadians, who acknowledge India’s growing economic clout but remain wary of its politics and human rights record.
Before the 2023 allegations, Canadian views of India were almost evenly balanced — 44% favourable and 43% unfavourable. Since then, negative perceptions have dominated, though the new data suggests a gradual thaw.
🌏 Context: From Diplomatic Freeze to Cautious Reconnection
Relations between the two nations have slowly normalized since early 2025, following quiet diplomatic engagements and trade consultations.
Both countries have expressed willingness to resume cooperation on education, technology, and clean energy, even as political tensions remain sensitive.
📊 Key Takeaways from the Angus Reid Poll
- 51% of Canadians say restoring ties was the right decision
- 22% disagree; 27% remain unsure
- 54% hold unfavourable views of India
- 59% say Canada should engage India with caution or restraint
- Canadians remain divided on India as a trade partner (38% vs. 34%)
📍 Full findings available at: www.angusreid.org
🧭 The Desis Analysis
The data suggests a strategic recalibration in Canadian public opinion — balancing concern over alleged foreign interference with recognition of India’s economic importance.
While mistrust persists, Canadians appear more inclined toward pragmatic engagement over prolonged isolation, echoing global trends in dealing with emerging powers.
As Ottawa and New Delhi tentatively rebuild channels of cooperation, the Canadian public mood now leans toward realism — not rupture.
Half of Canadians Back Restoring India Ties Despite Lingering Distrust: Angus Reid Poll
A new Angus Reid survey finds 51% of Canadians say restoring diplomatic ties with India was the right move, even as 54% hold unfavourable views and call for cautious engagement. Canada India Relations, Angus Reid, Justin Trudeau, Foreign Policy, Trade, Asia Pacific.
