ATLANTA — Canada is making rapid progress in diversifying its trade and security ties around the world with a goal of doubling its non-US trade in the next decade, Foreign Minister Anita Anand told Reuters on Saturday, as Ottawa emphasises trust in building new relationships outside North America.

Source: Reuters interview with Anita Anand, October 31, 2026

Anand spoke with Reuters on the sidelines of a US-hosted meeting of foreign ministers from the Group of 20 major economies in Atlanta, where the participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov exposed deep rifts in the grouping, Reuters reported. The G20 meeting ended without a joint statement.

Source: Reuters, G20 foreign ministers meeting in Atlanta, October 31, 2026

2xCanada's goal for non-US trade in the next decade
20New security and trade agreements Ottawa says it has forged
1.5 billionConsumers in more than 51 countries covered — yaani about 150 crore people
G7Canada says it is the only member with free trade deals with every other G7 country

'Middle power diplomacy' — with India in the picture

'This is our middle power diplomacy,' Anand told Reuters, citing Canada's work with Nordic countries on Arctic safety and security in the face of growing Russian threats, and its efforts to protect citizens' privacy in the rapidly advancing area of AI and innovation, together with India and Australia.

Source: Reuters interview with Anita Anand, October 31, 2026

Canada was also working to expand its ties to the European Union, she said, citing a new national security strategy released earlier in the week that puts a major focus on critical minerals, energy and food security. She said Canada expected to conclude a trade deal with ASEAN before the end of the year.

Source: Reuters interview with Anita Anand, October 31, 2026

Why Ottawa is looking beyond Washington

Prime Minister Mark Carney has vowed to double Canada's non-US trade over the next decade as President Donald Trump's tariffs have rippled through Canada's economy, Reuters reported. Canada's subsequent efforts to reach a deal with Washington have broken down, driving Carney's government to pursue trade pacts from the Asia Pacific to Europe and the Middle East.

Source: Reuters via SRN News, October 31, 2026

A critic of Lavrov's participation, Anand said the Atlanta meeting helped illustrate the transformed, ruptured nature of the international order and underscored the need for new approaches, groupings, alliances and partnerships, Reuters reported. For Canada's large Punjabi and Indian diaspora, the practical stakes are direct: a Canada that trades more with India, Europe and Asia-Pacific — and works with India on AI and privacy rules — is a Canada whose jobs, study routes and business ties are less exposed to a single border.

Source: Reuters interview with Anita Anand, October 31, 2026