New Delhi, Oct 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to undertake a two-day official visit to Canada from December 11, with trade negotiations, energy cooperation, technology and regional security expected to feature prominently on the agenda.
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The proposed visit follows a recent telephone conversation between Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during which both leaders reportedly expressed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing cooperation across key sectors.
The visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to efforts to rebuild and deepen relations between the two countries, with a focus on achieving tangible outcomes in economic and strategic engagement.
Trade Deal in Focus
The proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is expected to be a key priority during the discussions. Canadian authorities have reiterated their commitment to advancing negotiations, while both sides are looking to expand bilateral commerce and create new opportunities for businesses.
The two countries are seeking to strengthen trade ties, with negotiators aiming to double bilateral trade before 2030. Cooperation in agriculture and energy is also expected to remain central to the broader economic agenda.
Beyond trade, discussions are likely to cover technology partnerships and developments in the Indo-Pacific region, where both countries have an interest in promoting stability and strengthening economic links.
Diplomatic Engagement Gains Momentum
Preparations for the December visit are already underway, with senior officials and business representatives engaging with their Indian counterparts in New Delhi.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand recently met Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during her visit to the Indian capital. The discussions focused on reviewing progress in bilateral relations and identifying areas where cooperation could be expanded.
Anand also highlighted the importance of the longstanding relationship between India and Canada, pointing to the people-to-people connections built through families, students and entrepreneurs over several generations.
The diplomatic engagement is expected to help establish the groundwork for the two prime ministers’ upcoming meeting.
Major Canadian Trade Mission Visits India
Alongside diplomatic preparations, Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu is leading a trade delegation of around 300 business representatives on a visit to India.
The Team Canada Trade Mission aims to identify commercial opportunities, encourage business partnerships and strengthen links between companies in both countries.
The scale of the delegation reflects the importance being attached to private-sector engagement as India and Canada seek to expand economic cooperation. Business discussions are expected to complement government-level negotiations ahead of the December summit.
Ukraine and Regional Security Also on the Agenda
The two leaders have also discussed wider international issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the need for greater global stability.
According to the account of their recent conversation, Carney acknowledged Modi’s diplomatic efforts to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Modi, meanwhile, indicated that India and Canada were working together towards a more stable international environment.
The December visit is expected to offer both sides an opportunity to advance discussions on trade, energy, technology and security while reinforcing diplomatic engagement.
With high-level meetings and business consultations already taking place, the visit could mark an important step in efforts to translate renewed political dialogue into concrete economic and strategic outcomes.
