New Delhi, March 1 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, are scheduled to present a comprehensive framework on Monday to deepen India-Canada ties in areas such as trade, energy, and critical technology, amid growing geopolitical instability.
The two prime ministers will hold extensive discussions as part of a "substantial agenda" as both sides make efforts to reset the bilateral relationship, which had come under severe strain following a diplomatic row over the killing of a Khalistani separatist in 2023.
Carney arrived in New Delhi on Sunday after spending two days in Mumbai, where he met with several industry leaders.
Given that Modi and Carney are meeting against the backdrop of the Israeli and US attack on Iran, the two leaders are expected to exchange views on the overall situation in the Middle East.
It has been learned that there could be some progress towards civil-nuclear cooperation between New Delhi and Ottawa. India is keen to finalize a deal that will allow it to procure uranium from Canada.
"There is a rapidly growing demand across India for more energy, technology, and services – exactly what Canada has to offer," the Canadian prime minister said on social media after arriving in the national capital.
"We are here to ensure that our workers and businesses can seize these opportunities," he said.
The Canadian prime minister was received at the airport by Union Minister Jitin Prasada. Carney was also accorded a ceremonial reception.
"A substantial agenda awaits, including his official talks with PM @narendramodi tomorrow," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on social media.
It has been learned that following the Modi-Carney talks, the two sides may announce their resolve to soon conclude the proposed comprehensive economic partnership agreement.
In the face of its strained trade relations with the Trump administration, Canada is looking to build a stronger, independent, and more resilient economy.
In the last few months, India and Canada have taken several steps to normalize relations.
India-Canada relations hit a low point 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 Trudeau's accusation as "absurd."
In October 2024, India recalled its high commissioner and five other diplomats after Ottawa attempted to link them to the Nijjar case.
India also expelled an equal number of Canadian diplomats.
However, Liberal Party leader Carney's victory in the parliamentary election in April last year helped in beginning the process to reset relations.
Subsequently, both sides have already posted their high commissioners in each other's capitals.
In June last year, Prime Minister Modi travelled to Canada's Kananaskis to attend the G7 summit.
Modi and Carney held extensive talks on the margins of the summit with a focus on rebuilding the ties.
