‘Productive Discussion’ Between EAM Jaishankar and Canada FM Anand Aims to Elevate Bilateral Relations
NEW DELHI: India and Canada are set to elevate their bilateral relationship, as confirmed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar following a meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Jaishankar described the discussions as “productive” and shared a video of the meeting on social media, emphasizing the intent to enhance ties between the two nations.
The meeting comes on the heels of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s remarks about the positive momentum in trade negotiations with India. Carney indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi might visit Canada in December. He stated, “We are making good progress in our trade negotiations with India,” highlighting the importance of the relationship across various dimensions, including trade, security, and people-to-people connections.
Trade Negotiations
Carney noted that both countries had committed during last year’s G20 summit to conclude trade negotiations by this year’s G20 meeting. The proposed trade agreement aims to significantly boost bilateral trade to 70 billion Canadian dollars annually by 2030. The G20 Summit is scheduled for December 14-15 in Miami, Florida, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Recent Diplomatic Context
Relations between India and Canada faced challenges under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, particularly after allegations emerged regarding Indian government involvement in the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has firmly rejected these claims, leading to reciprocal diplomatic expulsions and a reduction in diplomatic personnel. In July, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police reported no evidence linking Indian officials to Nijjar’s death.
Since Mark Carney took office in March 2025, there have been signs of gradual normalization in ties. Modi and Carney agreed in June 2022 to take measured steps to restore stability, which included the return of high commissioners and a series of high-level engagements. In March 2023, both governments acknowledged “significant progress” toward normalizing relations.
Anand, who has Indian roots, has engaged with Jaishankar multiple times since her appointment as Canada’s foreign minister in 2025. During his visit to New York, Jaishankar also met with other foreign ministers, including those from Venezuela and Belarus, discussing energy cooperation and regional issues.
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