Kananaskis, Alberta: On the sidelines of the G7 Leaders’ Meeting in Kananaskis, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held his first in-person bilateral meeting with the newly elected Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable H.E. Mr. Mark Carney. The dialogue marked a significant step forward in renewing diplomatic ties and building a roadmap for constructive cooperation between the two democracies.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated Prime Minister Carney on his assumption of office following Canada’s recent general elections and conveyed his best wishes for a successful tenure. The leaders used the occasion to hold frank, forward-looking deliberations on the current state of India–Canada relations and the path ahead for engagement.
Rebuilding the Bilateral Relationship
Acknowledging the deep-rooted historical and democratic ties between the two countries, the leaders reaffirmed the foundational values of India–Canada relations — shared democratic traditions, rule of law, commitment to sovereignty, and mutual respect. In a notable breakthrough, both Prime Ministers agreed on the need to restore stability and mutual trust in the relationship, beginning with the early return of High Commissioners to each other’s capitals.
The leaders emphasized that future engagement must be rooted in a spirit of mutual sensitivity and cooperation, recognizing the legitimate concerns of both sides. They underscored the importance of resuming regular interactions at senior ministerial and working levels across diverse sectors.
Economic, Strategic & Technology Cooperation
The bilateral conversation also focused on leveraging growing complementarities between India and Canada in key strategic areas. These included clean energy collaboration, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, food security, LNG supply, critical minerals, higher education partnerships, skilled workforce mobility, and the resilience of global supply chains.
Both sides acknowledged the need to resume and energize discussions on the stalled Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA), as a gateway to a future Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). In this context, the leaders agreed to direct their respective officials to accelerate engagements toward early resolution and progress.
Indo-Pacific and Global Collaboration
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Carney reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The conversation also highlighted the necessity for democratic countries to work together to ensure a stable rules-based global order.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the outcomes and collaborative spirit demonstrated at the G7 Summit. They discussed alignment on several pressing global challenges — from climate change and sustainability to inclusive development and global economic recovery. They agreed on the need to continue working closely to address global priorities.
Strengthening People-to-People Ties
Recognizing the strong living bridge between India and Canada — with a vibrant Indian diaspora contributing meaningfully to Canadian society — the leaders reiterated their intent to further nurture and strengthen people-to-people ties. They viewed this diaspora as a vital force in reinforcing trust and enhancing mutual understanding between the nations.
A Renewed Outlook
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both Prime Ministers agreeing to maintain regular contact and build on the momentum of this high-level engagement. Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Carney for an official visit to India, underlining the importance of sustained political dialogue in nurturing bilateral cooperation.
With this meeting, India and Canada have taken an important step toward healing past frictions and laying the foundation for a renewed partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and shared global goals.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
