A significant diplomatic engagement is set to unfold as Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, departs for India today for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, boosting trade cooperation and expanding partnerships in emerging sectors such as technology and clean energy.
The visit marks Carney’s first official trip to India since assuming office and is being viewed as an important step toward revitalising ties between the two countries. Officials from both sides have indicated that the trip will focus on economic cooperation, strategic dialogue and expanding collaboration in sectors like artificial intelligence, innovation and critical minerals.
According to official statements, the Canadian leader will begin his visit in Mumbai, where he is expected to hold meetings with leading business executives, investors and industry representatives. These interactions are intended to encourage investment opportunities and create new partnerships between companies from both countries.
Following the business engagements, Carney will travel to New Delhi for high-level diplomatic talks. A key highlight of the visit will be his meeting with Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. During these discussions, both leaders are expected to review progress in the India–Canada strategic partnership and explore new areas of cooperation including trade, energy, technology and education.
Trade is expected to be one of the central topics of discussion. In recent years, India has emerged as one of Canada’s important trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching over 30 billion dollars in goods and services. Both governments are now looking to expand economic ties further through negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which aims to significantly increase two-way trade in the coming years.
Beyond trade, the visit will also focus on cooperation in areas such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and defence. Analysts believe these sectors could play a crucial role in shaping future economic partnerships between the two countries.
Diplomatic observers say the trip is also significant in the broader geopolitical context. Strengthening engagement with India forms part of Canada’s wider Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to diversify trade relationships and build partnerships with fast-growing economies in the region.
The India leg is the first stop in Carney’s broader Indo-Pacific tour, which will also include visits to Australia and Japan. The tour aims to deepen economic and strategic ties with key partners across the region while promoting investment and cooperation in emerging industries.
With high-level meetings, business forums and strategic discussions planned during the visit, both governments are hoping the trip will open a new chapter in India–Canada relations and pave the way for stronger economic and diplomatic cooperation in the years ahead.
