VOIWORLD/Sumit Chaturvedi
In a significant step toward mending strained relations, India and Canada have agreed to reopen talks on trade, energy, and technology cooperation. The move follows a meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in New Delhi on October 13, 2025.
The talks come after a two-year diplomatic chill, sparked by allegations in 2023 that Indian government agents were involved in the killing of a Khalistani activist in Canada. Despite those tensions, both governments now appear eager to look ahead.
Carney Invited for AI Summit
According to officials, India has invited Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to visit in February 2026 for the upcoming Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit in New Delhi. Although Carney has not yet confirmed, the presence of a senior Canadian PMO official at the meeting suggested the offer is being taken seriously.
The invitation signals a potential thaw in ties and a desire to expand cooperation in next-generation technologies such as AI, renewable energy, and critical minerals.
Trade and Energy Talks to Resume
Both sides announced plans to restart ministerial-level discussions on trade and investment, as well as re-establish the Canada–India Ministerial Energy Dialogue. The goal: greater collaboration on renewables, critical minerals, and civil nuclear energy, including early-stage discussions on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology.
The countries also agreed to revive the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee and to encourage Canadian AI firms and researchers to participate in India’s AI Impact Summit scheduled for February 19–20, 2026.
Agriculture Cooperation Gets Boost
Agriculture was another key focus area. Both nations agreed to strengthen supply chains and work on sustainable farming, agri-waste recycling, and climate-resilient crops. The idea is to share best practices, enhance nutritional security, and promote innovation in agricultural technology.
‘Reinvigorating Our Partnership’
Dr. Jaishankar described the discussions as “constructive”, noting they were aimed at restoring and reinvigorating mechanisms that had stalled in recent years. “We also exchanged views on global developments and our responses to shared challenges,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, echoing the sentiment, said the goal was to “elevate the relationship” between the two countries. “Building on the momentum of Prime Minister Carney’s meeting with PM Modi this summer at the G7 Summit, Canada and India are expanding their economic relationship while maintaining our security dialogue,” she said.
New Chapter for Trade Talks
Officials said both sides may start fresh on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) instead of continuing earlier efforts. Since 2023, India has signed several new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries including the UAE, EFTA nations, and the UK, opening more areas for global trade. With this new momentum, India and Canada hope to establish a clear timeline for their trade discussions.
During her one-day visit, Anand also met Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who said their talks focused on energy, technology, and food security, adding that India was ready to “reinvigorate mutually beneficial trade ties based on trust and respect.”
Next Stop: Mumbai
After her meetings in New Delhi, Anand flew to Mumbai to meet Indian business leaders and investors, signaling a renewed effort to rebuild economic confidence and encourage bilateral investments.
Background: From Strain to Reconnection
Relations between India and Canada had soured after Ottawa’s 2023 accusation linking India to the killing of a Canadian citizen with Khalistani ties. The claim led to diplomatic expulsions and suspended trade talks. However, since Carney’s meeting with Prime Minister Modi at the G7 Summit earlier this year, both sides have worked to stabilize relations.
High-level security talks between Canadian National Security and Intelligence Advisor Catherine Drouin and India’s NSA Ajit Doval in September marked the first concrete step toward normalcy.
Monday’s meeting between Jaishankar and Anand appears to have built on that progress, setting the stage for a cautious but meaningful reset in India–Canada relations.
