Strengthening Economic Ties: Canada and India Seek New Areas of Cooperation

Ottawa, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand recently visited New Delhi, where she met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. During her discussions, she highlighted the mutual interest of both nations in strengthening economic ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration amid global uncertainties.

In a post on the social media platform X, Anand stated, “I am in New Delhi this week to build on the positive momentum between Canada and India, focusing on shared goals in trade, investment, and security. It is essential for both countries to enhance economic relations and seek new areas of cooperation during these uncertain times.”

Following her meeting with Modi, Anand remarked on the tremendous potential for Canada and India to create a more prosperous future together. She expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to discuss strategic partnerships and new opportunities in trade, investment, and security.

She noted that the nearly 80-year diplomatic relationship between Canada and India has been further strengthened by families, students, and entrepreneurs who have contributed to bringing the two nations closer. Anand also referenced Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India this year and the Team Canada trade mission, indicating that these initiatives reflect a desire to transform shared priorities into long-lasting opportunities. She expressed excitement for Modi’s upcoming visit to Canada in December.

Prime Minister Modi described their meeting as very positive, emphasizing discussions on enhancing India-Canada relations in sectors such as trade, technology, security, energy, education, and people-to-people connections. He affirmed India’s commitment to building a creative and forward-looking strategic partnership that benefits both nations.

Meanwhile, Jaishankar noted that the two leaders reviewed progress in various areas, including trade and investment, education, energy, defense, and relations between people. He mentioned that they exchanged views on regional and global developments as well.

Jaishankar added, “Thanks to the guidance of our top leadership and ongoing dialogue between government and industry, our strategic partnership is advancing.”

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this marks Anand’s third visit to India since June 2025, reflecting the ongoing high-level engagement and increasing positivity in India-Canada relations.

Anand and Jaishankar also participated in a discussion at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi on the topic, “Is it the time of middle powers?” The panel included former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Since September 2025, Anand and Jaishankar have met 11 times, as reported by the Canadian government. Official figures indicate that bilateral trade between India and Canada reached $30.4 billion in 2025, including $11 billion in goods trade.

The relationship between India and Canada has recovered from a period of tension in 2023 and 2024, when both countries expelled each other’s diplomats, causing significant strain. Now, both nations are moving forward to strengthen their ties once again.