Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is set to visit India next week, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to reset bilateral relations between the two countries. This will be Anand's first official trip to India since assuming her role as Foreign Minister.
The visit follows a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, at the G7 Summit in June, signaling a potential thaw in relations after a period of strain. Ties between India and Canada had deteriorated following accusations made by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has strongly rejected these charges, deeming them politically motivated, and has, in turn, accused Canada of providing a safe haven to Khalistani terrorists.
Ahead of her visit, Anand met with India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 29. Jaishankar described the meeting as positive and welcomed the appointment of high commissioners as a step towards rebuilding ties. He also expressed his anticipation for welcoming Anand to India.
During their meeting in New York, Anand and Jaishankar discussed strengthening bilateral ties, building upon the discussions between Prime Ministers Carney and Modi at the G7 Leaders' Summit. They also agreed to advance shared priorities, including economic prosperity, security, and global governance. Both ministers acknowledged the recent progress in the relationship through the appointment of high commissioners. India has appointed Dinesh Patnaik as its High Commissioner to Canada, while Canada has appointed Christopher Cooter as its High Commissioner to India.
The visit also follows high-level bilateral exchanges, including visits to India by Canadian National Security and Intelligence Advisor Nathalie Drouin and Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison in September.
While the specific details of Anand's itinerary and agenda have not been officially released, it is expected that discussions will focus on a range of issues, including trade, defense, energy, civil nuclear cooperation, security, law enforcement, and critical minerals.
India's primary concern remains the presence of Khalistani elements in Canada, which Delhi views as a threat to its security. There are signs that the Canadian government is increasingly recognizing these concerns. A 2025 assessment by the Canadian Finance Ministry highlighted the challenge of Khalistani extremism and its implications for domestic and international security. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has also warned that Khalistani extremists pose a national security threat.
Despite recent tensions, India and Canada have a broad-based relationship with deep historical ties. Both are member nations of the Commonwealth of Nations and the G20. In 2023, bilateral trade between the two countries was valued at $9.36 billion, with Indian exports to Canada worth $5.56 billion and Canadian exports to India worth $3.80 billion. In 2024, overall trade in goods and services reached $30.9 billion.
In July 2025, India's main exports to Canada included drug formulations, biologicals, products of iron and steel, and marine products. The main imports from Canada were pulses, coal, coke and briquettes, and pulp and waste paper.
A comprehensive economic partnership agreement between Canada and India is estimated to boost bilateral trade significantly and yield substantial GDP gains for Canada by 2035. More than 600 Canadian companies have established a presence in India, with hundreds more actively pursuing business opportunities.
Anand's visit represents a crucial opportunity for both countries to address their differences, strengthen their partnership, and chart a course for a more stable and cooperative relationship in the years to come.
