Context:

India and Canada have recently reopened a new chapter in their bilateral relationship after a period of diplomatic tension. The recent high-level talks between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in New Delhi underscored the commitment of both countries to rebuild mutual trust and build a stable, forward-looking partnership. The new roadmap focuses on strengthening cooperation in trade, clean energy, science and technology, agriculture, and education — based on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and cooperation.

Historical Background:

India and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1947, soon after India’s independence. Since then, their relationship has seen phases of cooperation, challenges, and renewed engagement.

• Both countries share warm ties based on democracy, cultural diversity, and membership in the Commonwealth. Cooperation has traditionally covered agriculture, education, nuclear energy, and scientific research.
• They have also worked together in international forums like the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and the G20. However, political sensitivities, especially related to the diaspora, have sometimes caused strain.

Despite these challenges, both nations see each other as important partners for mutual growth and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Trade and Economic Engagement:

Economic and trade ties are one of the strongest pillars of the India–Canada relationship. The two economies complement each other — India provides a large market, and Canada offers advanced technology and natural resources.

• In 2024, bilateral trade reached about $34 billion, showing steady growth. Canada mainly exports fertilizers, pulses, and energy products to India, while India exports pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, and IT services.
• Canadian pension funds are major investors in India, especially in renewable energy, logistics, and infrastructure. This reflects confidence in India’s economic growth.
• Both countries have decided to restart talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to modernize trade frameworks and increase investments.
• A Canada–India CEO Forum will reconvene in early 2026 to promote private sector and business-to-business partnerships.

Clean Energy, Climate, and Critical Minerals

Climate action and energy transition are key focus areas in the new roadmap. Both countries aim to reduce carbon emissions and develop clean energy systems.

• The Canada–India Ministerial Energy Dialogue has been revived to promote collaboration in green hydrogen, carbon capture, biofuels, and electric mobility. They also plan to strengthen LNG and LPG trade and cleaner fuel supply chains.
• A new framework for cooperation in critical minerals has been created. Canada’s mining expertise and India’s demand for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel make them natural partners. The first Critical Minerals Dialogue will be held in 2026 in Toronto to diversify supply chains and strengthen energy security.

Civil Nuclear Cooperation

• Civil nuclear cooperation has long been part of India–Canada relations. The Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) signed in 2010 and implemented in 2013 allows trade in uranium and peaceful nuclear research.
• Now, discussions are underway to expand cooperation in uranium supply, nuclear safety, clean power, and new reactor technologies. This supports India’s low-carbon goals and strengthens Canada’s role as a reliable energy partner.

Science, Technology, and Digital Innovation

• Science and technology form another strong bridge between the two nations. The Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee is being reactivated to promote collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
• Both countries will encourage research partnerships and technology exchanges. Canada’s strength in research and India’s success in digital public infrastructure create strong areas of cooperation. Canadian researchers will also take part in India’s upcoming technology and AI summits to promote ethical and inclusive innovation.

Agriculture and Food Security

• Agriculture has always been central to India–Canada cooperation. Canada is one of India’s largest suppliers of pulses, while India’s agri-tech and food processing sectors are growing rapidly.
• The new roadmap focuses on climate-resilient farming, value chain development, and sustainable practices. Both sides aim to promote innovations like waste-to-energy, recycling of farm residues, and efficient resource use. These initiatives will improve food security, productivity, and contribute to global sustainable agriculture goals.

Education, Mobility, and Cultural Exchange

• People-to-people ties are at the heart of India–Canada relations. The Indian diaspora in Canada, numbering over 1.6 million, plays key roles in politics, academia, business, and culture.
• Education is a major pillar of engagement. Over 300,000 Indian students study in Canadian institutions, making education a strong link between the two countries.
• The Joint Working Group on Higher Education is being revived to expand academic partnerships, promote research, and encourage student exchanges. Both nations are exploring simpler visa processes and mutual recognition of degrees. Tourism and cultural programs will also be promoted to highlight shared values of diversity and pluralism.

Rebuilding Diplomatic Trust

• After the diplomatic tensions of 2023, both countries are working to rebuild trust and normalize ties. The reinstatement of High Commissioners and the resumption of security and trade talks mark a cautious restart.
• Both sides have emphasized mutual respect and sensitivity to each other’s concerns. Regular meetings between senior officials and national security advisers show a shared intention to “de-risk” the relationship and focus on practical cooperation.
• This reflects the understanding that lasting ties depend on institutional stability rather than temporary political issues.

Broader Indo-Pacific and Global Cooperation

• India and Canada share common goals of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. They support respect for sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and international law.
• They also cooperate in platforms like the G20, Commonwealth, and United Nations on issues such as multilateral reform, climate action, and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy recognizes India’s key role in ensuring regional stability and building resilient supply chains. This creates new opportunities for cooperation in maritime security, trade connectivity, and sustainable growth.

Institutional Framework and Agreements

Several agreements form the foundation of India–Canada cooperation:

• Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (1994) – Cooperation in criminal and judicial matters.
• Extradition Treaty (1987) – Strengthens law enforcement collaboration.
• Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (2010) – Enables peaceful nuclear trade and research.
• Science and Technology Agreements – Support research in Arctic studies, renewable fuels, and space technology.

A key milestone in scientific cooperation was ISRO’s launch of Canada’s first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite in 2018, showcasing India’s growing global role in space.

Significance and Way Forward

The revival of India–Canada relations is important for both countries and for global stability. As the world faces economic and geopolitical challenges, a stronger partnership benefits both sides.

Future cooperation will likely focus on clean energy, technology, and education. The stress on inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability shows a shared vision for a modern and mutually beneficial partnership.

While the past has seen challenges, the renewed dialogue shows maturity and readiness to look forward. By grounding their ties in shared democratic values and strategic goals, both countries are preparing for a more balanced and productive relationship.