India–Canada Relations Enter a New Phase of Engagement
Jaishankar and Anand signal renewed diplomatic momentum as New Delhi and Ottawa seek deeper economic and strategic cooperation
NEW YORK: India and Canada are showing signs of renewed momentum in their bilateral relationship, with both sides seeking to strengthen engagement after a period of diplomatic strain.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Following the meeting, Jaishankar described the discussion as productive and said India and Canada were preparing to take their relationship “to a higher level.”
The renewed engagement comes as economic cooperation takes centre stage. Negotiations for a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) are progressing, with both countries working towards completing the process by the end of 2026.
Trade is expected to be an important pillar of the relationship. Canada has set an ambition of increasing bilateral trade with India to CAD 70 billion by 2030, reflecting the growing economic importance both countries attach to their partnership.
The relationship, however, extends well beyond trade. India and Canada are exploring greater cooperation in areas including energy, critical minerals, science and technology, education, defence, security and people-to-people ties.
High-level political engagement could further reinforce this momentum. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could visit Canada around December, although further details remain to be confirmed.
For New Delhi and Ottawa, the focus now is on translating diplomatic goodwill into practical and sustained cooperation. The latest Jaishankar–Anand meeting reflects an effort by both governments to build a broader framework for engagement based on shared economic interests and strategic priorities.
As negotiations advance and political contacts intensify, the coming months could become an important period in shaping the next chapter of India–Canada relations.
