OTTAWA (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney is preparing for an exceptionally busy year of international travel as his government pushes to reduce Canada’s reliance on the United States and broaden economic ties worldwide.
Since taking office, Carney has already logged thousands of air miles aboard government aircraft, visiting countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. His office says overseas engagement will remain central to his strategy of doubling Canada’s non-U.S. exports over the next decade and attracting fresh foreign investment.
In January alone, the prime minister made stops in France, China, Qatar, and Switzerland, signaling an aggressive start to a year likely dominated by diplomatic and trade-focused travel.
Although the Prime Minister’s Office rarely confirms international trips far in advance, government sources and foreign officials have outlined a tentative itinerary spanning multiple continents.
India and possible Australia visit
Carney is expected to travel to India in the coming weeks, where he is slated to attend a high-profile artificial intelligence summit in New Delhi. Indian officials have confirmed preparations for the visit, which would mark a key step in rebuilding and strengthening bilateral ties.
There is also speculation that Carney could extend the trip to Australia, a nation identified as a cornerstone of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy. While no formal announcement has been made, Ottawa has increasingly emphasized security and technology cooperation with Canberra.
Latin America: Brazil and beyond
In South America, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has publicly stated that Carney accepted an invitation to visit in April. Talks are expected to focus on trade opportunities and Canada’s ongoing negotiations with the Mercosur economic bloc, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Major global summits
Carney is widely expected to attend the G7 leaders’ meeting in Évian-les-Bains, France, in mid-June, followed by the NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye, in July. The NATO gathering comes amid shifting global defence priorities and renewed debate over alliance commitments.
Later in the year, Carney is likely to address world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where global security, climate change, and economic stability will dominate discussions.
Commonwealth and Asia-Pacific diplomacy
In November, Antigua and Barbuda will host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, an event Carney is expected to attend. The prime minister has expressed strong interest in reinforcing Canada’s historic and economic links with Commonwealth nations.
Asia will feature prominently in his fall schedule. Carney has confirmed plans to return to China for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen. He may also attend the ASEAN leaders’ meeting in the Philippines, where Canada aims to finalize a long-awaited trade agreement. Cambodia’s Francophonie summit could follow shortly afterward.
U.S. and global economic forums
In December, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host the G20 summit in Miami. While final invitations have yet to be issued, Canada’s participation is anticipated, given the forum’s significance in shaping global economic policy.
Japan also remains a key diplomatic target. Ottawa views Tokyo as a strategic partner, and a bilateral visit may be arranged once Japan’s domestic political situation stabilizes following its snap election.
Caribbean and Ukraine engagements
The Dominican Republic is scheduled to host the next Summit of the Americas later in the year, although uncertainty remains due to political tensions in the region. Carney has attended every such summit held during his political career.
Meanwhile, continued support for Ukraine remains a central pillar of Canada’s foreign policy. While any future visit to Kyiv would likely be kept confidential until completion for security reasons, officials indicate Carney intends to maintain close engagement with Ukrainian leaders.
As global instability reshapes international trade and diplomacy, Carney’s packed travel agenda reflects a broader effort to position Canada as a more independent and diversified economic power.
