PM Modi's Canada Visit: Dates Currently Under Discussion, Confirms MEA
India and Canada are discussing dates for PM Narendra Modi's visit to Canada following a productive call between the two leaders.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that the dates for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Canada are currently being discussed between the two nations. The announcement came during a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, where MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed queries regarding media reports suggesting a potential visit in December.
Diplomatic Momentum and Strategic Ties
This potential visit follows a high-level telephone conversation held on Tuesday between Prime Minister Modi and his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney. Describing the exchange as "warm and productive," PM Modi emphasized the necessity of strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Canada to maintain "positive momentum" in their bilateral relations.
Taking to X, PM Modi shared details of the conversation, stating that both leaders agreed to work toward concrete outcomes in several critical areas of their Strategic Partnership, including:
- Trade and Energy
- Technology and Security
- People-to-people ties
The Prime Minister further noted that together, India and Canada are playing a role in contributing to a more stable and prosperous global environment.
Economic Goals and Trade Missions
According to a statement from the Canadian Prime Minister's Office, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to finalizing negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This agreement is seen as a vital step toward the ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade by the year 2030.
The diplomatic push is further supported by recent high-level visits. The two leaders welcomed the "Team Canada Trade Mission" to India, which is being led by Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu. Additionally, the visit of Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to New Delhi was highlighted as a key move to advance shared priorities.
Addressing Global Instability
Beyond trade, the conversation touched upon critical geopolitical issues. PM Modi and Mark Carney discussed the impacts of geopolitical instability within the Indo-Pacific region and the urgent need for trusted partnerships in the sectors of agriculture and energy.
In a gesture of appreciation, Prime Minister Carney thanked PM Modi for his leadership and efforts in seeking a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Strengthening the Roadmap
Earlier on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Anita Anand met with PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi. Their discussions centered on investment, security, and the deep-rooted people-to-people connections that have evolved over nearly 80 years of diplomatic relations—connections forged by students, entrepreneurs, and families.
Reflecting on her visit, Minister Anand expressed encouragement over the progress made since her meeting with Dr. S Jaishankar a year ago. She noted that as the international order undergoes profound changes, a strong tie between India and Canada is essential for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.