Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is set to begin a two-day visit to India on October 12, 2025, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations. This visit, her first official trip to India since entering politics in 2019, comes as both countries cautiously navigate a path toward repairing strained diplomatic ties.
Anand's visit is part of Ottawa's renewed push to strengthen partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, as outlined in Canada's regional strategy. During her time in India, she will engage in high-level talks with key Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Discussions are expected to focus on establishing a framework for strategic cooperation in areas of trade diversification, energy transformation, and security.
In addition to her meetings in New Delhi, Anand will also travel to Mumbai to meet with Indian and Canadian business leaders. These engagements will focus on boosting investment, creating jobs, and expanding economic opportunities for both nations. Canada is particularly interested in strengthening its commercial relationships with India in the agriculture, critical minerals, and energy sectors.
The visit comes after a period of strained relations between India and Canada, sparked by allegations made by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. These allegations, which India has firmly rejected as "absolutely baseless," led to a diplomatic freeze, including mutual expulsions of diplomats.
However, recent months have seen a gradual thaw in relations. In August 2025, both countries appointed new high commissioners, signaling an intent to restore full diplomatic engagement. Prior to Anand's visit, Canada's National Security Advisor Nathalie Drouin visited India for extensive talks with her Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval. Following that meeting, Canada designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. India has expressed concerns about the activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, while Canada has emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values and the rule of law.
India and Canada share over 75 years of diplomatic relations, built on a long history of cooperation and strong people-to-people ties. In 2024, India was Canada's seventh-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 33.9 billion. With India projected to become the world's fourth-largest economy, Canada is committed to further strengthening its commercial relationships with India.
Following her visit to India, Anand will travel to Singapore and China to further strengthen Canada's cooperation with its partners in Southeast Asia and continue engagement on the bilateral relationship with China.
