Trade, AI, farming, climate action: India, Canada agree on new roadmap to revive ties | india news

In an attempt to rebuild ties that came under severe strain two years ago, India and Canada on Monday agreed on an ambitious roadmap to boost cooperation in trade, climate action, ‘clean’ energy, AI, farming and food security as well as cultural exchanges involving education and tourism.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar.

Diplomatic relations between India and Canada deteriorated sharply due to the killing of a Sikh separatist in 2023, but it seems these measures are the first step in repairing the damage. In their meeting, Jaishankar and Anand agreed to initiate ministerial-level discussions on bilateral trade and investment at the earliest, keeping in mind global economic realities and each other’s “strategic priorities”.

According to a joint statement, while the Indian side expressed its concern over the activities of some pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, going forward, both sides will pursue a “constructive and balanced” partnership with respect for each other’s “concerns and sensitivities.” The talks came nearly four months after Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney held talks on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada in June.

“Taking into account the priorities set by the Prime Ministers of India and Canada to accelerate relations, both sides reached consensus on a new roadmap based on mutual respect for shared democratic values, the rule of law and a commitment to upholding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the joint statement said.

In a social media post, Modi said he and Anand discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, energy, agriculture and people-to-people exchanges for “mutual development and prosperity”. An official readout said he told them the visit would contribute to ongoing efforts to provide “new momentum” to the bilateral partnership.

What does the new roadmap say?

The joint statement highlighted the current global economic uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions, which makes it essential for India and Canada to build a strong and resilient relationship.

“Revitalizing this partnership will not only create opportunities to enhance economic cooperation, but also help mitigate vulnerabilities arising from changes in global alliances, ensure more reliable supply chains, and strengthen strategic stability in an increasingly complex international environment,” it said.

The statement said Anand and Jaishankar welcomed the discussions between India’s Department of Atomic Energy and Canadian uranium suppliers from the perspective of existing and proposed new mines. It said economic cooperation will include ministerial-level discussions on bilateral trade and investment and the resumption of the Canada-India CEO Forum to identify ways to facilitate increased trade and investment.

Here’s everything you need to know:

• India and Canada took several steps, including a joint announcement on the reinstatement of High Commissioners on August 28, a meeting between the National Security Advisors on advancing security cooperation on September 18, and a meeting between the two Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 29.
• Business Cooperation: Ministerial Dialogue on Bilateral Trade and Investment; and relaunching the Canada-India CEO Forum to enhance bilateral trade and investment with a focus on priority areas such as clean technology, infrastructure, agri-food and digital innovation. The Forum will convene in early 2026 for a senior-level trade mission.
• Climate Action: Enhance bilateral cooperation on climate action, environmental protection and conservation; Cooperation, exchange of information and expertise on renewable energy capacity, decarbonizing heavy industries, reducing plastic pollution, supporting sound management of chemicals and ensuring sustainable consumption; Support joint climate and environmental goals to advance economic growth and job creation.
• ‘clean energy: re-establishing the Canada-India Ministerial Energy Dialogue (CIMED); Promoting two-way trade for LNG and LPG and investment in the oil and gas sector, including clean technologies; Cooperate on sustainable low-carbon fuels and technologies; Exchange of best practices on power system management; Work together on emissions reduction, environmental management, power sector digitalisation and disaster resilience; advanced global energy efficiency processes; Promoting dialogue on how Canada’s mining expertise can provide India with critical minerals needed for energy security; and more.
• AI: Relaunch the Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation (JSTCC); Promoting mutually beneficial partnerships to expand access to AI; Encouraging Canadian AI companies and researchers to participate in India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit on February 19 and 20, 2026; Cooperation in digital public infrastructure.
• Agriculture: Develop stable and sustainable supply chains, improve agri-value chains, enhance nutrition security, promote recycling of agro-waste into energy and organic fertilizers, and advance innovation in climate-resilient agriculture and food systems.
• cultural exchange: cooperation in higher education and research; Research partnerships in emerging technologies (such as AI, cybersecurity and fintech); Expanding Canadian academic presence in India through overseas campuses; Joint Working Group on Higher Education.

What did the foreign ministers say?

In his opening remarks at the meeting with Anand, S Jaishankar said India-Canada relations have been making steady “progress” over the past few months and both sides are working to “reestablish and revitalize” the necessary mechanisms to take the partnership forward.

Jaishankar said, “When we look at Canada, we see a complementary economy, we see a more open society, we see diversity and pluralism, and we believe that is the basis for a close, sustainable and long-term cooperative framework.” “Our responsibility as foreign ministers is to take forward the process of rebuilding our cooperation and ensure that it meets the expectations of our Prime Ministers and the interests of our peoples.”

On social media, Anand said India and Canada are pursuing a “constructive and balanced” partnership based on ongoing law enforcement dialogue and growing economic partnership opportunities, including in the areas of energy, trade and AI.

Why did India-Canada relations suffer a setback?

India-Canada relations hit a low in 2023 following allegations by then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of a possible Indian connection in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India had rejected his allegation as “absurd”.

In October last year, India had recalled its high commissioner and five other diplomats after Ottawa attempted to link them to the Nijjar case. New Delhi also expelled a similar number of Canadian diplomats.

However, the victory of Liberal Party leader Carney in the parliamentary election in April helped begin the process of re-establishing relations. Both sides have already deployed their high commissioners in each other’s capitals.

(with agency input)