New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have reaffirmed their commitment to finalise negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the earliest opportunity, with the proposed deal expected to support efforts to double bilateral trade by 2030.
The two leaders discussed expanding cooperation between India and Canada across several sectors, including finance, defence and security, artificial intelligence and people-to-people exchanges. They also agreed to maintain close contact ahead of Modi’s planned visit to Canada in December.
Both sides stressed the need to build on the recent improvement in bilateral engagement and advance negotiations on the proposed trade agreement. The ongoing Team Canada Trade Mission to India, led by Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, was also welcomed. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is visiting New Delhi this week as part of the renewed diplomatic engagement.
The discussions also covered geopolitical instability in the Indo-Pacific region and the importance of dependable partners in energy and agriculture.
The two leaders welcomed a bilateral security dialogue held in India the previous week, reflecting continued cooperation between the countries at the national security adviser level. Carney also acknowledged Modi’s efforts to promote a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The latest conversation followed a visit to India by Canadian Prime Minister’s Office adviser David Morrison from October 5 to 7. During his visit, Morrison held discussions with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on counter-terrorism, organised crime and law enforcement cooperation.
Modi described his conversation with Carney as warm and productive, expressing confidence in achieving concrete results across trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people ties.
Relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply in 2023 after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a potential Indian connection to the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India rejected the allegation.
Diplomatic engagement has gained momentum since Carney’s visit to India in March. Both countries have also restored their high commissioners in each other’s capitals, signalling a gradual improvement in bilateral ties.
The proposed CEPA is expected to be a key component of efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and expand trade between the two countries over the coming years.
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