OTTAWA, Canada (Diya TV) — India and Canada are moving toward a major diplomatic reset as senior leaders plan visits and prepare to sign new trade and energy agreements. India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is likely to visit Canada next month, according to India’s high commissioner, signaling closer security cooperation after a tense period in bilateral ties. The expected visit comes as Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for a landmark trip to India in early March. The visit would mark a significant step in rebuilding relations between the two countries after years of strain.
High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik said Carney is likely to visit India in the first week of March. During the trip, Carney is expected to sign agreements covering uranium, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
Carney has made diversifying Canada’s global partnerships a top priority. He aims to reduce Canada’s heavy reliance on the United States, its largest trading partner. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, Carney said the old rules-based global order no longer works. He urged middle powers to work together to build a fairer and more stable system. That speech drew global attention and followed Canada’s recent trade agreement with China. The deal cut tariffs on electric vehicles and canola and opened billions of dollars in export opportunities.
Energy cooperation will sit at the heart of the renewed Canada-India relationship. Patnaik said a 10-year uranium supply deal worth about C$2.8 billion is likely to be part of the agreements signed during Carney’s visit. Canada’s Energy Minister Tim Hodgson is already in India this week. He said Canada is open to selling uranium under the existing nuclear cooperation agreement, as long as India follows international safeguards.
India plans to expand civilian nuclear power to meet its growing energy needs. Canada sees India as a key long-term partner for uranium, oil and gas, and clean energy development. Patnaik said both countries will also announce new agreements on critical minerals, crude oil, and liquefied natural gas. Canada hopes to supply minerals that India needs for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.
Formal talks for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Canada and India are expected to begin in March. The two sides agreed to restart stalled negotiations in November. Patnaik said a trade pact could be signed within a year of formal talks. Both countries feel an urgency to move forward as global trade faces new pressures.
President Donald Trump recently threatened steep tariffs on Canada if it signed a free trade deal with China. Carney responded that Canada will honor its commitments under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. India is also expanding its trade network. New Delhi and the European Union are expected to announce the conclusion of a free trade agreement this week.
Ajit Doval’s expected visit to Ottawa will focus on intelligence sharing and security cooperation. Patnaik said the trip will be part of regular engagement between the two countries.
Security ties remain sensitive after Canada accused Indian agents of involvement in the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has denied the accusation. Patnaik said a court case is ongoing in Canada against four people charged in the killing. He said India would take action if credible evidence shows Indian involvement.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the G7 summit last year at Carney’s invitation. Several Canadian ministers have also traveled to India in recent months. India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are also likely to visit Canada soon, Patnaik said.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand this week as well, saying their talks covered key areas of cooperation, including economic partnership, artificial intelligence, and diplomatic engagement.
Both governments now want to move past two years of stalled talks. Officials say stronger ties will help both economies navigate a changing global order and reduce exposure to trade shocks. With high-level visits planned and multiple deals in the pipeline, Canada and India appear set for a new chapter built on trade, energy, and strategic cooperation.
