India and Canada have agreed on a new roadmap aimed at revitalizing their bilateral relations amidst a complex global landscape. This development follows a period of strained ties, and the roadmap signifies a mutual commitment to rebuild trust and enhance cooperation across various sectors.
The announcement was made after talks between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in New Delhi. Anand's visit to India is widely viewed as an effort to reset the relationship, which experienced a significant setback in 2023. At that time, then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a potential Indian link to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh leader.
The new roadmap focuses on strengthening collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, agriculture, science and technology, civil nuclear collaboration, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and energy. Both countries are looking to diversify trade, and the agreement includes ministerial-level discussions on bilateral trade and investment. Cooperation on agriculture, science and technology, civil nuclear collaboration, artificial intelligence, critical minerals and energy were also named as priorities.
The ministers recognized the importance of a strong and resilient India-Canada relationship, especially considering ongoing global economic uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions. "Reviving this partnership will not only create opportunities for enhanced economic cooperation, but also help mitigate vulnerabilities arising from shifting global alliances," according to a joint statement.
During her visit, Anand met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who conveyed that her visit would contribute to ongoing efforts to impart new momentum to the India-Canada bilateral partnership. Modi emphasized the significance of enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, technology, agriculture, and people-to-people ties. He also recalled his "extremely productive" meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G7 Summit in June. Modi has also extended an invitation to Carney to visit India for an AI summit next year.
Both India and Canada have appointed new envoys, signaling a commitment to improved diplomatic relations. Christopher Cooter has been appointed as the new High Commissioner for Canada to India, and India has also appointed a new High Commissioner to Canada.
Despite the renewed efforts, challenges remain. Historically, Canada's perceived support for Sikh separatists associated with the Khalistan movement has strained relations. India has also voiced concerns regarding the activities of Khalistan separatists and has sought the return of individuals it designates as terrorists. Minister Anand affirmed that Canada takes the security of foreign diplomats "very very seriously" and that Canadians have the right to feel safe and secure in their country.
In 2024, India was Canada's seventh-largest goods and services trading partner, with two-way trade reaching $30.9 billion. The relationship between the two countries was formally designated as a "Strategic Partnership" in 2018. Canada is also a popular destination for Indian immigrants and students. In 2024, there were 392,810 study permit holders with Indian citizenship in Canada.
