India and Canada are working to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on October 13, 2026. The two leaders agreed to build on improving bilateral ties, emphasizing practical progress in trade, energy, technology, security, and connections between their citizens.
Following the conversation, Modi described the exchange as positive and productive in a post on X. He said both governments intended to maintain the recent momentum in their relationship and pursue tangible results across key areas of their strategic partnership. He also highlighted the contribution India and Canada could make toward a more stable and prosperous international environment.
Canadian High Commissioner to India Christopher Cooter also expressed optimism about the relationship, describing bilateral engagement as being on a strong footing. Speaking ahead of Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand’s official visit to India, he pointed to the constructive relationship between the two prime ministers and their repeated meetings over the preceding year.
According to Cooter, Anand’s upcoming visit would mark her tenth meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, in approximately a year. Senior officials have also maintained regular communication, including recent discussions between the national security advisers of the two countries.
Trade is emerging as another important area of engagement. Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is expected to visit India with a delegation of approximately 300 Canadian business representatives. The weeklong program is scheduled to include several cities in southern India, providing opportunities to explore commercial partnerships and expand business connections.
Beyond trade, both countries are continuing discussions involving energy, migration, and defense. Cooter indicated that a defense-related visit was also anticipated in the near future. He added that at least six other Canadian ministers had traveled to India over the preceding year, while Carney visited the country in March 2026.
Another significant development could come in December, when Modi is expected to travel to Canada. According to Cooter, the two governments hope to sign their first free trade agreement during the visit. Negotiations for the proposed agreement began in March 2026.
The renewed diplomatic engagement signals an effort by both governments to translate political dialogue into measurable cooperation. With senior-level meetings, business delegations, and trade negotiations underway, India and Canada are seeking to broaden their partnership across economic, technological, and strategic priorities.
