PM Modi Meets Canadian PM Carney at G7 Summit, Calls for “Win-Win” Cooperation Across Sectors

Canada: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held his first-ever bilateral meeting with newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, marking a fresh chapter in India-Canada ties. Hailing the relationship as “extremely important,” PM Modi emphasized the need for both nations to collaborate across a wide spectrum of sectors for mutual benefit and global good.

“I believe India-Canada relations are extremely important,” PM Modi said during the meeting, adding that the two democracies must strive for win-win cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, technology, clean energy, space, and critical minerals. He also congratulated Carney on his recent electoral victory and expressed optimism about the future of bilateral ties under his leadership.

This was PM Modi’s first visit to Canada in nearly a decade, and his first interaction with Carney, who took office in March 2025 after Justin Trudeau stepped down. Modi’s presence at the G7 Summit came at the invitation of PM Carney, signaling Canada’s intent to mend and rebuild its diplomatic relationship with India after recent tensions.

The two leaders acknowledged the strong democratic values shared between India and Canada. “We both stand for democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Together, we can not only strengthen our bilateral ties but also work for the welfare of all humanity,” PM Modi said. He noted the significant investments by Canadian companies in India, as well as the growing Indian diaspora and business presence in Canada.

Taking to social media after the meeting, Modi posted: “Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Complimented him and the Canadian Government for successfully hosting the G7 Summit. India and Canada are connected by a strong belief in democracy, freedom and rule of law. PM Carney and I look forward to working closely to add momentum to the India-Canada friendship.”

Carney, in his opening remarks, called it an honor to host Modi and highlighted India’s growing global stature. “India’s continued presence at the G7 since 2018 is a testament to your country’s importance and leadership,” he said. He praised India’s role in energy security, its leadership in energy transition, and its stance on key global issues like artificial intelligence and counterterrorism. “I look forward to our discussion,” he added.

PM Modi underscored that India, as the world’s largest democracy, has always championed global welfare. “During our G20 presidency, we led many initiatives for the world. Now, through the G7 platform, we aim to extend that resolve further,” he stated. He also expressed happiness at re-engaging with the Canadian people and said this summit offered an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the global public good.

The Modi-Carney meeting carries significant weight as both countries attempt to move past the diplomatic freeze triggered by the killing of pro-Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia last year. The incident led to India recalling its high commissioner and expelling several Canadian diplomats after Ottawa suggested Indian involvement in the case. India had strongly rejected the accusations and criticized the former Trudeau government for tolerating extremist elements on Canadian soil.

Following Trudeau’s resignation and Carney’s ascent to power, both sides have taken steps to restore ties. Recent weeks have seen renewed contact between security officials, and discussions are underway to appoint new high commissioners to normalize diplomatic relations.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs had described both nations as “vibrant democracies” and expressed hope that the meeting would open “important pathways” to reset ties based on mutual trust and respect. The bilateral discussions at the G7 are being seen as the first serious step toward that goal.

India and Canada share a robust economic relationship. In 2024, bilateral trade in goods amounted to USD 8.6 billion, with Indian exports at USD 4.2 billion and imports at USD 4.4 billion. Trade in services reached USD 14.3 billion, with India exporting USD 2.5 billion and importing USD 11.8 billion worth of services.

During PM Modi’s last visit to Canada in 2015, ties were elevated to a strategic partnership. With this renewed diplomatic push under new leadership in Ottawa, both sides are hopeful that the partnership will regain momentum and expand across sectors with renewed focus and shared democratic ideals.