India and Canada on Monday agreed to work closely together on a ‘new roadmap’ for their bilateral ties. The decision is the outcome of bilateral talks between External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Anita Anand in New Delhi.
Anand had also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning before holding discussions with Jaishankar.
Prime Minister Modi, welcoming the Canadian foreign, said her visit would contribute to the ongoing efforts to impart “new momentum to the India–Canada bilateral partnership”.
“PM Modi noted the significance of enhanced cooperation between the two countries in trade, energy, technology, agriculture and people-to-people ties. Prime Minister conveyed his warm wishes to Prime Minister Mark Carney and said that he looked forward to their upcoming engagements,” a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
Anand’s visit to India holds special significance in the wake of diplomatic tensions flared up between the two nations had last year after then Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau alleged that his government had “credible allegations” of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in 2023.
A joint statement outlining the way forward for the India-Canada ties was adopted after the bilateral talks between Jaishankar and Anand.
“In keeping with the priorities that the Prime Ministers of India and Canada had set out for bringing a momentum to the relationship, both sides, based on mutual respect for shared democratic values, the rule of law, and a commitment to upholding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, reached consensus on a New Roadmap for India-Canada relations,” the joint statement said.
Jaishankar and Anand recognised that in the context of the ongoing global economic uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions, a strong and resilient India-Canada bilateral relationship is essential.
“Reviving this partnership will not only create opportunities for enhanced economic cooperation but also help mitigate vulnerabilities arising from shifting global alliances, ensure more reliable supply chains, and reinforce strategic stability in an increasingly complex international environment,” the joint statement said.
The Ministers noted with satisfaction the substantial increase in the bilateral trade, which reached $23.66 billion in 2024; and the expanding presence of Indian and Canadian enterprises in each other’s markets, generating jobs with significant potential for future growth. They also acknowledged the important role played by Canadian provinces, six of which maintain representation in India, and by Indian states in advancing mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
“The Ministers agreed to work closely together and instructed their respective teams to initiate necessary steps to implement the agreed roadmap,” the joint statement said.
New Delhi and Ottawa also agreed to increase bilateral cooperation on climate action, environmental protection and conservation.
According to the joint statement, Jaishankar and Anand agreed to collaborate, exchange information and expertise and support respective climate ambitions in various areas, including renewable energy capacity, decarbonising heavy industries, reducing plastic pollution, supporting the sound management of chemicals, and ensuring sustainable consumption.
Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration to unlock new frontiers in S&T including AI, and digital infrastructure.
“Noting with satisfaction that people-to-people linkages are central to fostering mutual understanding and building long-term collaboration, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in education, tourism, cultural exchange, and professional mobility,” read the joint statement.