Sign in Subscribe
Foreign ministers

India and Canada Revive Bilateral Relationship with Agreed Measures

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Monday announced a series of measures to revive and deepen their bilateral relationship. Following talks between the two ministers, who are currently on an official visit in India, a joint statement highlighted key steps to restore stability in the relationship, including reinstating High Commissioners and advancing India-Canada security cooperation. The statement emphasized the importance of building a "constructive and balanced partnership grounded in respect for each others concerns and sensitivities, strong people-to-people ties, and growing economic complementarities."

Key Takeaways:

  • The visit is a follow-up to the guidance provided by the Prime Ministers of the two countries during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, to take calibrated measures to restore stability in the relationship.
  • Measures to restore stability include reinstating High Commissioners, advancing India-Canada security cooperation, continuing senior official-level discussions on security and law enforcement, and a Foreign Ministers meeting at the UN General Assembly in New York.
  • Bilateral trade had reached $23.66 billion in 2024, with Indian and Canadian businesses increasingly present in each other's markets.
  • The two ministers agreed to commence, at an early date, ministerial-level discussions on bilateral trade and investment informed by today's economic realities and each country's strategic priorities.
  • Initiatives will include resuming the Canada-India CEO Forum, convening the Forum alongside a senior-level trade mission in early 2026, and expanding bilateral cooperation on renewable energy, decarbonizing industries, and reducing plastic pollution.
  • The two countries will also work together on science, technology, agriculture, and education, including relaunching the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee, promoting partnerships in AI and digital infrastructure, and strengthening research partnerships in AI, cybersecurity, and fintech.

Statistics:

  • Bilateral trade between India and Canada reached $23.66 billion in 2024.
  • The two countries aim to commence ministerial-level discussions on bilateral trade and investment at an early date.
  • India and Canada plan to convene the Canada-India CEO Forum alongside a senior-level trade mission in early 2026.
  • The two countries will establish the first Critical Minerals Annual Dialogue in Toronto in March 2026.
  • Canada will participate in India's AI Impact Summit in February 2026.

Sources:

  • "Anita Anand in India: India-Canada joint statement"
  • "Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 13, 2025"
  • A joint statement from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand.

Read more