Modi, Carney push to conclude India-Canada trade pact in 2026, deepen ties in energy, AI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday reviewed progress in bilateral ties and reaffirmed their goal of concluding negotiations for an India-Canada trade agreement this year during a meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

The two leaders highlighted growing cooperation in energy, technology, and talent mobility, while stressing the importance of resilient supply chains for global energy and food security, according to Canada’s official readout of the meeting.

It was their fourth meeting in less than a year after the two nations sought to rebuild their relationship last year. Ties strained in September 2023 when former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly alleged that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada’s British Columbia.
Carney described India as the world’s fastest-growing major economy and a global technology and commerce powerhouse, saying both countries were working quickly to unlock new partnerships in areas such as energy, talent and artificial intelligence.

It was a delight to meet Prime Minister Carney on the sidelines of the Evian G7 Summit. In less than a year, it is our fourth meeting, indicating our commitment to strong India-Canada ties. We reviewed the full range of relations between our nations, notably the ground covered… pic.twitter.com/lGSURANBfc

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2026

The leaders reviewed developments in commercial arrangements involving liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and metallurgical coal, while expressing satisfaction with the progress made in negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The meeting also focused on expanding cooperation in defence, security, science and technology, finance, migration and education. India and Canada agreed to launch negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA), aimed at strengthening defence and security collaboration.

The two countries also welcomed ongoing collaboration under the Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy and announced the establishment of Raisina Americas, a new platform for dialogue and cooperation.

Modi thanked Carney for inviting him to visit Canada later this year, with both sides agreeing to remain engaged through diplomatic channels to finalise mutually convenient dates for the visit.