Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is visiting India as part of a two-nation tour that also includes the United Arab Emirates, with discussions in New Delhi expected to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, security, defence and people-to-people relations.
During her visit, Anand is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to advance priorities under the bilateral roadmap. The meeting marks continued high-level engagement between the two countries, with the ministers having met 11 times since September 2025.
The visit comes as India and Canada seek to strengthen economic ties and advance negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with both sides aiming to conclude discussions by the end of 2026. The fifth round of negotiations began in Ottawa earlier this month, with energy, critical minerals and aerospace emerging as key areas for cooperation.
Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is also part of the delegation, which includes nearly 300 business representatives participating in the Team Canada Trade Mission to India. The delegation aims to establish partnerships and explore opportunities across aerospace, clean energy, technology, life sciences, agri-food and forestry.
Sidhu said India represents a significant market for Canadian businesses, given its large population and economic growth. He said the trade mission would help create new opportunities for companies and workers while advancing negotiations on the proposed trade agreement.
The negotiations follow discussions between Sidhu and Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers Meeting, where the two sides reviewed progress on the agreement.
Canada aims to more than double bilateral trade with India to $70 billion by 2030, from approximately $30 billion. According to the Canadian government, two-way trade reached $30.4 billion in 2025, including $11 billion in goods.
The trade mission is expected to strengthen commercial connections and encourage investment in sectors where Canadian expertise aligns with India’s growing demand. Aerospace, clean technology, agriculture and food products are among the areas identified for greater collaboration.
During her stay in New Delhi, Anand will also participate in the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, joining a panel discussion on middle powers and the changing global order. She is expected to emphasise the importance of multilateral cooperation amid geopolitical uncertainty and highlight Canada’s engagement with India and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Following her India visit, Anand will travel to the United Arab Emirates, where she is scheduled to meet Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with senior government and business representatives. Discussions will focus on bilateral relations, commercial partnerships, defence and security, artificial intelligence, innovation and people-to-people ties.
Anand’s visit comes at a significant stage in India-Canada economic engagement, as both countries pursue a broader trade agreement and seek to expand cooperation across strategic industries. Progress on the CEPA negotiations and sustained diplomatic dialogue will be important to achieving their trade ambitions and strengthening long-term bilateral relations.
