Both leaders reaffirm commitment to conclude Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and boost trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people ties
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Canada on December 11–12, 2026, the High Commission of India in Ottawa said on Friday, following a telephone conversation between PM Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. During the call, both leaders agreed to build on the positive momentum in bilateral ties and work towards concrete outcomes in trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people exchanges.
In a post on X, the High Commission of India said, “Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi will visit Canada on 11–12 December 2026.” It added that the two leaders had agreed to strengthen the positive momentum in relations and pursue tangible results across key areas of cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi, in his own post, described the conversation with Mark Carney as “warm and productive,” reiterating the importance of strengthening the India–Canada strategic partnership. “Together, India and Canada are contributing towards a more stable and prosperous world,” he said.
Focus on CEPA and Bilateral Trade
According to a statement from the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to concluding negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the earliest opportunity, with the shared goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
The proposed agreement is expected to create greater opportunities for businesses, expand investment flows and strengthen commercial engagement between the two countries. Both sides are working to advance negotiations and identify practical measures that can deliver economic benefits.
The leaders also welcomed the Team Canada Trade Mission to India, led by Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, as well as Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand’s visit to New Delhi to advance shared priorities.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Reiterates Support for Deeper Ties
Earlier this week, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, security, energy, technology and people-to-people exchanges.
In a post on X following her meeting with PM Modi, Anand said Canada and India had significant potential to shape a more prosperous future together. She highlighted the opportunities ahead for expanding trade, investment and security cooperation.
Anand also underscored the longstanding people-to-people connections between the two countries, noting that nearly 80 years of diplomatic relations had been strengthened through generations of families, students and entrepreneurs.
Reflecting on her engagement with Jaishankar, she said she was encouraged by progress made since their meeting in New Delhi a year earlier, particularly in trade negotiations and cooperation in energy, innovation and security. She added that closer ties could help both countries contribute to a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Team Canada Trade Mission Led by Maninder Sidhu
Meanwhile, Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu is leading a delegation of approximately 300 business representatives to India. The mission aims to explore commercial opportunities across key sectors, strengthen business partnerships and encourage greater investment between the two economies.
Trade, energy, technology, agriculture and innovation are expected to remain important areas of engagement as both governments work towards advancing CEPA negotiations.
Regional and Global Issues Also Discussed
The two prime ministers also exchanged views on geopolitical instability and its implications for the Indo-Pacific region. They highlighted the importance of reliable international partners in sectors such as energy and agriculture.
According to the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office, Carney thanked Modi for his leadership in seeking a peaceful resolution to Russia’s war on Ukraine. The leaders agreed to remain in close contact ahead of Modi’s scheduled visit to Canada.
The upcoming visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to review progress, strengthen diplomatic engagement and pursue concrete outcomes across their strategic partnership.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
PM Modi’s Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Canada on December 11–12, 2026.
CEPA Negotiations
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement at the earliest opportunity.
Trade Target
India and Canada aim to double bilateral trade by 2030.
Team Canada Mission
A delegation of approximately 300 Canadian business representatives is exploring opportunities in India.
Priority Sectors
Trade, energy, technology, agriculture, security, innovation and people-to-people exchanges remain central to bilateral cooperation.
Enhanced Dialogue
The leaders discussed Indo-Pacific stability, energy and agriculture partnerships, and international developments.
“Together, India and Canada are contributing towards a more stable and prosperous world.”
— Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of India
A Renewed Push for a Stronger, More Prosperous PartnershipWith high-level engagement, renewed commitments and a focus on tangible outcomes, India and Canada are seeking to deepen their strategic partnership and expand opportunities for cooperation in the years ahead.