India and Canada on Monday agreed to establish a structured defence dialogue, expand energy cooperation including uranium supply, and work towards raising bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The announcements were made after delegation-level discussions at Hyderabad House and the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering critical minerals, renewable energy and cultural cooperation. The MoUs were exchanged by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Addressing a joint press interaction, Modi said, “The growing cooperation in the field of defence and security is a symbol of our deep mutual trust and the maturity of our relationship. We will work to enhance Defence Industries, Maritime Domain Awareness and Military Exchanges. For this purpose, today we have decided to establish the India-Canada Defence Dialogue.”
A new Strategic Energy Partnership was also announced, encompassing LNG, LPG, uranium, solar and hydrogen. A long-term uranium supply agreement forms part of the broader energy cooperation framework.
Also read: PM Modi meets Carney at Hyderabad House
The two leaders confirmed that negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) would be concluded this year after chief negotiators met in New Delhi and finalised the Terms of Reference.
On education and innovation, Modi said universities in both countries were expanding partnerships in AI, healthcare, agriculture and research, adding that Canadian universities would open campuses in India. He also announced the creation of the India-Canada Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence in India.
Security cooperation featured prominently in the talks. The two sides agreed to strengthen collaboration on maritime security and explore bilateral and multilateral naval activities to enhance interoperability. They also discussed cooperation on law enforcement, including tackling the illegal flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl precursors, and transnational organised criminal networks.
Referring to global tensions, Modi said, “India’s thoughts on the many tensions in the world are clear. We have always called for peace and stability. When two democracies stand together, the voice of peace becomes even stronger.”
The Canadian Prime Minister’s Office said stronger Indo-Pacific ties were crucial to Canada’s security and sovereignty, underlining the shared commitment to regional stability.
Key takeaways from Modi-Carney meet
-
Defence dialogue launched: India and Canada agreed to establish a structured India-Canada Defence Dialogue to deepen military and maritime cooperation.
-
Strategic energy partnership: New framework covering LNG, LPG, uranium, solar and hydrogen, including a long-term uranium supply agreement.
-
Trade target: Both sides aim to raise bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030.
-
CEPA this year: Commitment to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2026.
-
Security cooperation: Enhanced collaboration on maritime security, naval exercises, law enforcement and tackling drug trafficking and organised crime.
-
Education and innovation: Expansion of university partnerships in AI, healthcare and agriculture; Canadian universities to open campuses in India.
-
Space cooperation: Collaboration between space agencies on Earth observation and exploration initiatives.
-
Indo-Pacific focus: Canada reiterated stronger Indo-Pacific engagement; both sides stressed regional stability.
Follow us
