India and Canada are reportedly planning a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to strengthen bilateral cooperation. This comes after a period of strained relations between the two countries.
India has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Carney to visit New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Modi, potentially paving the way for a comprehensive economic and free-trade partnership. According to India's new High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Kumar Patnaik, both countries are making a "sincere effort" to mend diplomatic relations and prioritize trade and investment, especially given ongoing tariff tensions with the United States.
The two leaders may meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, scheduled for November 22-23. India is also hoping Prime Minister Carney will attend the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in New Delhi in February.
Ties between India and Canada experienced a downturn following accusations by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the Indian government's alleged involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C.. This led to diplomatic expulsions on both sides.
However, relations appear to be normalizing, beginning with a meeting between Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi at the G7 summit in Alberta in June. High-level bilateral discussions have continued since then, focusing on national security and economic cooperation.
During Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand's recent visit, several initiatives were announced to improve the Canada-India relationship. Modi also met with Anand, underscoring the importance India places on this relationship.
India is awaiting Canada's response regarding the resumption of free trade talks, which were paused in 2023. According to Patnaik, a free trade agreement could lead to bilateral trade exceeding $50 billion annually. He also mentioned the potential for Canadian canola to find a large market in India, the world's largest consumer of cooking oil, though he noted that a marketing campaign might be necessary to shift consumer preferences.
In 2024, bilateral trade between India and Canada reached a record $23.6 billion, a significant increase from $12.7 billion in 2023.
Both leaders have expressed a commitment to rebuilding the relationship based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and trust. Discussions have also included law enforcement cooperation and addressing concerns related to transnational crime, repression, and terrorism. Areas for deepened engagement include technology, the digital transition, food security, and critical minerals.
