India–Canada relations received a major boost as both countries agreed to expand cooperation across trade, technology, education, energy and defence during the official visit of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to India.

The visit marked a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and resulted in multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), commercial contracts and strategic announcements aimed at long-term collaboration.

CEPA Talks Formally Launched

One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the finalisation of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the India–Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The agreement will pave the way for a comprehensive free trade and investment pact between the two democracies. Both sides have set an ambitious target of USD 50 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, signalling strong intent to scale economic engagement.

Key MoUs and Strategic Agreements

Several sector-focused agreements were signed during the visit:

• Technology & Innovation: A trilateral MoU with Australia under the ACITI Partnership to promote collaboration in emerging technologies.

  

• Food & Nutrition: Declaration of Intent for a Joint Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence at National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM-K).

• Civil Nuclear Cooperation: Long-term uranium supply contract with Cameco Corporation, supporting India’s nuclear energy programme.

• Education & Research: MoU between All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Mitacs for Globalink research internships, enabling up to 300 fully funded placements for Indian students over three years.

• Critical Minerals: Agreement to build secure and resilient supply chains in mining and processing.

• Renewable Energy: Cooperation in solar, wind, biomass and energy storage technologies.

• Cultural Exchange: MoU to strengthen people-to-people ties and cultural collaboration.

Also Read | India and Canada Strengthen Trade and Energy Ties

Expanded Cooperation Beyond MoUs

Beyond formal agreements, both sides announced broader strategic initiatives:

• Canada will join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Global Biofuels Alliance, reinforcing climate commitments.

• India will support Canada’s bid to become a Dialogue Partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

• Establishment of the India–Canada Parliament Friendship Group to strengthen legislative ties.

• Reconstitution of the India–Canada CEO Forum to promote private-sector collaboration.

• Launch of a new India–Canada Defence Dialogue to institutionalise security cooperation.

• Introduction of a Joint Talent and Innovation Strategy by Universities Canada.

• Canada’s participation confirmed for Bharat Tribes Fest-2026 in New Delhi.

A Reset in Bilateral Relations

This visit — the first by a Canadian Prime Minister to India in several years — is widely viewed as a reset in India–Canada ties. The revival of CEPA negotiations and the breadth of agreements indicate a shared commitment to building a stable and forward-looking partnership.

With stronger collaboration in clean energy, critical minerals, education, defence and trade, the renewed partnership is expected to create new opportunities for businesses, students, researchers and industries in both nations.

As both countries look ahead, the India–Canada partnership appears set to enter a new phase of economic growth, strategic trust and global cooperation.