India, Canada ​launch ​renewed ​strategic ​partnership, ​fast-​track CEPA ​talks

During talks at Hyderabad House on Monday, the leaders welcomed progress made since their meetings on the margins of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis and the G20 Summit in Johannesburg and committed to finalising CEPA negotiations by the end of 2026, with the aim of expanding bilateral trade to CAD 70 billion by 2030.

The visit marked Carney’s first bilateral trip to India since taking office and the first such visit by a Canadian prime minister since 2018.

Highlighting the potential for growth for workers and businesses, Carney wrote on X that “we are building on that to double our trade and investment and forge new partnerships in energy, talent and AI.”

Energy, critical minerals and clean transition

Under a renewed “India–Canada Strategic Energy Partnership", the leaders agreed to expand cooperation in LNG, LPG, crude oil, refined petroleum products, uranium, potash and critical minerals.

They welcomed a CAD 2.6 billion agreement between Cameco and India’s Department of Atomic Energy for long-term uranium supply. Canada also reiterated plans to expand LNG exports to the Indo-Pacific, targeting 50 million tonnes annually by 2030.

The two sides signed memoranda of understanding on Critical Minerals Cooperation and Clean Energy Cooperation, covering renewable energy, hydrogen, biofuels, energy storage, carbon capture and resilient supply chains. A joint renewable energy and storage summit will be held in 2026.

Defence and security dialogue

The leaders agreed to institutionalise an India–Canada Defence Dialogue and launch a Maritime Security Partnership to enhance cooperation in training, joint exercises and supply chain resilience.

They committed to strengthening collaboration on counterterrorism, organised crime, cybercrime and immigration enforcement and supported the establishment of enhanced law-enforcement liaison mechanisms.

Talent, ​technology and AI

The leaders endorsed a new Canada–India Talent and Innovation Strategy to promote academic mobility, research partnerships and industry-aligned skills training.

They welcomed expanded cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and space technologies, including trilateral work under the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation Partnership.

India also welcomed Canada’s intention to pursue membership in the International Solar Alliance and upgrade participation in the Global Biofuels Alliance.

Multilateral and Indo-Pacific cooperation

Both sides reaffirmed commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific and pledged closer coordination in regional and global forums.

Prime Minister Carney thanked Prime Minister Modi for India’s hospitality and extended an invitation for Modi to visit Canada, as both leaders described the visit as a significant step in normalising and strengthening bilateral ties.a

Carney is on a multi-nation tour from February 26 to March 7 that began in Mumbai, continues in New Delhi and will include stops in Canberra and Tokyo, as Ottawa advances a broader strategy to diversify trade and reduce its heavy reliance on the United States.