India, Canada unveil new roadmap to rebuild ties and boost cooperation across key sectors

New Delhi, October 13. India and Canada have unveiled a New Roadmap for Bilateral Relations, marking a major step toward normalising ties and reviving cooperation across trade, energy, climate, technology, and education.

The announcement followed a meeting in New Delhi between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand here on October 13.

The discussions were a direct follow-up to the guidance provided by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney during their interaction on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis earlier this year. The two leaders had agreed to take calibrated measures to restore stability in the strained relationship and build a “constructive and balanced partnership” grounded in mutual respect, democratic values, and economic complementarities.

Reset in motion

The two sides reviewed progress made since August, when they decided to reinstate high commissioners in each other’s capitals, followed by meetings between their national security advisers and senior officials in September. Both Ministers welcomed these developments as important milestones toward rebuilding trust.

A comprehensive partnership

The new roadmap, built around principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and rule of law, aims to create a resilient and forward-looking relationship amid global uncertainty. Jaishankar and Anand underlined that a stronger India-Canada partnership would contribute to economic stability, supply chain resilience, and strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Trade and investment push

With bilateral trade touching $23.66 billion in 2024, both sides expressed satisfaction at the robust growth and agreed to deepen cooperation through early trade initiatives. These include:

• Launching ministerial-level discussions on trade and investment aligned with contemporary economic realities.
• Resuming the Canada-India CEO Forum to bring business leaders together to develop actionable strategies in sectors such as clean technology, infrastructure, agri-food, and digital innovation. The Forum will convene alongside a senior-level trade mission in early 2026.

Climate and energy cooperation

Both nations reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating climate change and promoting sustainable development, agreeing to expand collaboration on renewable energy, biodiversity, and pollution control. They will exchange expertise on decarbonising industries, plastic reduction, and sustainable consumption practices.

In the energy sector, India and Canada agreed to reestablish the Ministerial Energy Dialogue (CIMED) and advance cooperation on clean energy, including green hydrogen, biofuels, CCUS, and electric mobility. The two sides will also work to strengthen critical mineral supply chains and hold the first Critical Minerals Annual Dialogue in Toronto in March 2026.

Science, technology, and innovation

Recognising the transformative potential of innovation, both Ministers agreed to relaunch the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee and promote collaboration in Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies. Canada’s AI community will also participate in India’s AI Impact Summit in February 2026.

Agriculture and food security

On agriculture, the Ministers committed to enhancing cooperation for stable supply chains, technology-driven productivity, and climate-resilient farming. Focus areas include agri-value chain innovation, energy generation from agri-waste, and improving farmers’ incomes.

People-to-people and educational ties

Acknowledging the central role of human connections, both sides agreed to reinvigorate collaboration in education, research, culture, and tourism. Initiatives include expanding Canadian university campuses in India, promoting joint research in AI, cybersecurity, and fintech, and revitalising the Joint Working Group on Higher Education.

The two Ministers also directed their respective high commissions and consulates to strengthen institutional capacities to support the ambitious agenda. They reaffirmed their intention to enhance cooperation on global and multilateral issues, advocating for more inclusive and effective international institutions.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism that the New Roadmap for India-Canada Relations would serve as a durable foundation for rebuilding trust and unlocking the full potential of their partnership.