The two leaders spoke over the phone on Tuesday, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral relations and deliver concrete outcomes across key areas, including trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people ties. Modi is scheduled to visit Canada in December while travelling to the G20 summit in the US, and the trade agreement is expected to be finalised during the trip.
India is also discussing a possible visit by Carney in January as the chief guest for Republic Day. Meanwhile, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu are currently visiting India.
Following the conversation, Modi said the two leaders had agreed to build on the positive momentum in bilateral relations. In a post on social media platform X, he wrote, "Had a warm and productive conversation with PM Mark Carney. Together, India and Canada are contributing towards a more stable and prosperous world."
According to a Canadian readout of the conversation, the two prime ministers welcomed the increased engagement between Canada and India over the past year. This has included cooperation in finance, defence and security, people-to-people ties and artificial intelligence. They also underscored the opportunity to build on the renewed momentum in bilateral relations.
The leaders discussed the impact of geopolitical instability in the Indo-Pacific region and the need for trusted partners in energy and agriculture. The Canadian readout said Carney thanked Modi for his leadership in seeking a peaceful resolution to Russia's war on Ukraine.
Both leaders also agreed to remain in close contact ahead of Modi's December visit to Canada, which is expected to provide an opportunity to advance bilateral priorities and economic cooperation.
The Canadian readout also highlighted the ongoing Team Canada Trade Mission to India, described as historic and led by Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu. In addition, Foreign Minister Anita Anand is visiting New Delhi this week to advance shared priorities, including trade, energy and people-to-people ties.
With discussions focused on an early conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030, the latest conversation signals an effort by India and Canada to translate renewed engagement into concrete economic and strategic outcomes.
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