New Delhi: India and Canada have agreed to renew and elevate their Strategic Partnership, adopting “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — One Earth, One Family, One Future — as the guiding framework for future cooperation.
Welcoming Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is on an official visit to India from February 27 to March 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the visit as a “significant milestone” and said bilateral ties had gained “new energy, mutual trust and positivity.”
“When two democracies stand together, the voice of peace becomes even stronger,” he said, highlighting shared democratic values and a common commitment to global stability.
According to a Joint Statement issued after their talks, the leaders reviewed progress under the New Roadmap for Canada–India Relations and reaffirmed their commitment to conclude negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026, with the aim of expanding bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030.
“Our priority is to unlock the full potential of economic cooperation,” Modi said during the joint press statement following the talks. He added that early finalisation of CEPA would create new investment and employment opportunities. He noted that Canadian pension funds have invested about USD 100 billion in India, calling it a sign of strong confidence in India’s growth story.
Energy cooperation emerged as a key pillar. The two sides advanced collaboration across hydrocarbons, renewables, civil nuclear energy, and critical minerals under the India–Canada Strategic Energy Partnership. They welcomed the relaunch of the Ministerial Energy Dialogue and a CAD 2.6 billion long-term uranium supply agreement between Cameco and India’s Department of Atomic Energy.
“We are building a next-generation energy partnership,” Modi said, pointing to joint work in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and energy storage. Canada’s decision to pursue membership in the International Solar Alliance and upgrade its role in the Global Biofuels Alliance was welcomed. An India–Canada Renewable Energy and Storage Summit will be held in 2026.
The leaders also signed an MoU on Critical Minerals Cooperation to strengthen resilient supply chains. In civil nuclear cooperation, they agreed to deepen long-term uranium supply and explore work on Small Modular Reactors and advanced reactor technologies.
Agriculture and food security were prioritised, with plans to establish a Canada–India Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence at NIFTEM Kundli to boost agri-technology and nutrition security.
Technology and innovation featured prominently. “India and Canada are natural partners in technology and innovation. Together, we will turn ideas into global solutions,” Modi said.
Accordign to the joint statement, the leaders agreed to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, supercomputing, semiconductors, and digital public infrastructure. Space collaboration between ISRO and the Canadian Space Agency will also be expanded.
Education and talent mobility were emphasised as the foundation of people-to-people ties. The leaders agreed to expand joint degree programs, research partnerships, and industry-linked training, and supported the establishment of Canadian university campuses in India. An MoU between AICTE and MITACS will enable around 300 Indian undergraduate students annually to undertake research placements in Canada.
Cultural cooperation was strengthened through a new MoU promoting exchanges in arts, heritage, and creative industries. Both sides also highlighted the importance of Indigenous and Tribal communities and inclusive development.
Defence and security cooperation will form a foundational layer of the renewed partnership. The leaders agreed to establish an India–Canada Defence Dialogue and expand collaboration in defence industries, maritime domain awareness, and military exchanges. They also committed to closer cooperation against terrorism and extremism.
“Terrorism and extremism are serious challenges not just for our countries but for humanity,” Modi said.
On the Indo-Pacific, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and resilient region. India welcomed Canada’s interest in becoming a Dialogue Partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
Addressing global tensions, Modi reiterated India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy, including in West Asia, and emphasised continued efforts to ensure the safety of Indian citizens abroad.
The leaders also welcomed the reconstitution of the India–Canada CEO Forum and the launch of a Finance Ministers’ Economic and Financial Dialogue focused on payments modernisation, fintech innovation, and cross-border remittances.
Both Prime Ministers expressed confidence that the renewed partnership would deliver tangible long-term benefits and contribute to regional stability and shared prosperity.
