Anand defends diplomatic engagement with India despite bilateral tensions

Diplomacy is not about hiding under a rock and saying I am not going to deal with you because of the actions of your government. Diplomacy in my view is very much about sitting at the table having conversations that are difficult but conversations that represent Canadian interests, Canadian foreign policy and Canadian work with multilateral partners. — Anita Anand · Watch full video

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand defended Canada's continued diplomatic engagement with India during a media scrum in Mumbai, arguing that effective diplomacy requires being "at the table" even amid serious concerns about transnational repression and foreign interference.

Speaking to media, Anand rejected suggestions that Canada should cease diplomatic contact with countries whose governments have taken concerning actions. "Diplomacy in my view is very much about sitting at the table having conversations that are difficult but conversations that represent Canadian interests, Canadian foreign policy and Canadian work with multilateral partners," she said.

The minister framed diplomatic engagement as essential for addressing what she described as "serious issues" including transnational repression and foreign interference. Anand said the approach involves direct confrontation of concerning behaviour, explaining that Canada tells countries "these are serious issues for the government of Canada and we would like to know how you are going to address them."

Anand also connected the diplomatic strategy to Canada's Ukraine policy, saying the government uses international engagement to advocate for "Ukraine's territorial integrity and the rule of law and sovereignty and international law" while seeking to expand what she called "the coalition of the willing to support Ukraine in the short and the long term." The transcript indicates Canada has spent $25.5 billion supporting Ukraine, while India maintains close ties with Russia.

Pushing back against critics who suggested she shouldn't be conducting diplomatic visits due to public safety concerns, Anand argued the opposite approach was necessary. "In order to be an effective minister and advocate and government, you have to be at the table. You have to be able to advocate for the citizens that are relying on you, the citizens who elected you," she said, confirming plans for diplomatic engagements in both Mumbai and Delhi.

Source: Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand speaks with media in Mumbai – February 28, 2026