Trade, AI, Farming, Climate Action: India, Canada Agree On New Roadmap To Revive Ties

Last Updated:October 13, 2025, 22:36 IST

The two sides agreed to commence ministerial-level discussions on bilateral trade and investment at an early date considering global economic realities and "strategic priorities"

EAM S Jaishankar with Canada Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand during a meeting, in New Delhi on October 13. (Image: @DrSJaishankar/X/PTI)

In a bid 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 exchange linked to education and tourism.

Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar.

The killing of a Sikh separatist in 2023 caused diplomatic relations between India and Canada to rapidly deteriorate, but it looks like these slew of measures is the first step to repair the damage. In their meeting, Jaishankar and Anand agreed to commence ministerial-level discussions on bilateral trade and investment at an early date considering the global economic realities and each other’s “strategic priorities".

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

“In keeping with the priorities that the prime ministers of India and Canada had set out for bringing 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," 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 growth and prosperity". He said he conveyed to her that this visit will contribute to ongoing efforts to impart “new momentum" to the bilateral partnership, an official readout said.

WHAT DOES THE NEW ROADMAP SAY?

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

“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," it said.

The statement noted that Anand and Jaishankar welcomed discussions between India’s Department of Atomic Energy and Canadian uranium suppliers, from the standpoint of existing and proposed new mines. It said the 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 is all you need to know:

• India and Canada initiated several steps, including the joint announcement of reinstatement of high commissioners on August 28, meeting between the national security advisers on advancing security cooperation on September 18, and a meeting between the two foreign ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly high-level week in New York on September 29.
• Trade Cooperation: Ministerial-level talks on bilateral trade and investment; and resuming Canada-India CEO Forum for increased bilateral trade and investment with a focus on priority sectors such as clean technology, infrastructure, agri-food, and digital innovation. The forum will convene on the margins of a senior-level trade mission in early 2026.
• Climate Action: Increase bilateral cooperation on climate action, environmental protection and conservation; collaborate, exchange information and expertise on renewable energy capacity, decarbonising heavy industries, reducing plastic pollution, supporting the sound management of chemicals, and ensuring sustainable consumption; support joint climate and environmental goals to advance economic growth and job creation.
• ‘Clean’ Energy: Re-establish the Canada-India Ministerial Energy Dialogue (CIMED); promote two-way trade for LNG and LPG and investment in oil and gas sector, including clean technologies; collaborate on sustainable low-carbon fuels and technologies; exchange best practices on electricity system management; work together on reducing emissions, environmental management, power sector digitalisation and disaster resilience; advance global energy efficiency process; promote dialogue on how Canada’s mining expertise can provide India with critical minerals needed for energy security; and more.
• AI: Relaunch the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee (JSTCC); foster mutually beneficial partnerships to expand access to AI; encourage Canadian AI companies and researchers to participate in India’s forthcoming AI Impact Summit on February 19 and 20, 2026; cooperation in digital public infrastructure.
• Agriculture: Developing stable and sustainable supply chains, improving agri-value chains, enhancing nutritional security, promoting recycling of agri-waste into energy and organic fertilisers, and advancing innovation in climate-resilient agriculture and food systems.
• Cultural Exchange: Collaboration in higher education and research; research partnerships in emerging technologies (such as AI, cybersecurity, and fintech); expanded 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 steadily “progressing" in the last few months and that both sides are working to “restore and reinvigorate" the mechanisms necessary to advance the partnership.

“When we look at Canada, we see a complementary economy, we see another open society, we see diversity and pluralism, and we believe that that is the basis for a close, sustainable and long-term cooperative framework," Jaishankar said. “Our responsibility as foreign ministers is to shepherd the process of rebuilding our cooperation and to ensure that it delivers on the expectation of our prime ministers and the interests of our people."

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

WHY DID INDIA-CANADA TIES TAKE A HIT?

The India-Canada relations hit rock bottom following then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in 2023 of a potential Indian link to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India had dismissed his accusation as “absurd".

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

However, Liberal Party leader Carney’s victory in the parliamentary election in April helped in beginning the process to reset relations. Both sides have already posted their high commissioners in each other’s capitals.

(With agency inputs)

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