India and Canada have unveiled a series of agreements, including a 10-year nuclear energy pact, after their prime ministers met in Delhi to revive relations strained by diplomatic tensions.
Narendra Modi and Mark Carney advanced cooperation in technology, critical minerals, space, defence and education, with both sides aiming to conclude a long-pending free trade agreement by end-2026 to reduce exposure to US tariffs.
Ties had deteriorated under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over allegations surrounding the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leading to diplomatic expulsions and visa suspensions. Since taking office, Carney has sought to cautiously rebuild relations, though the Canadian Security Intelligence Service continues to flag concerns about foreign interference.
During talks in Delhi, Modi and Carney underscored deep-rooted ties and shared ambitions, even as legal proceedings in the Nijjar case continue.
Modi announced a landmark long-term uranium supply agreement, along with collaboration on small modular and advanced nuclear reactors. He described the two nations as “natural partners” in technology and innovation, pledging stronger cooperation in AI, supercomputing, semiconductors and renewable energy, including a joint summit.
Carney said Canada was well placed to support India’s growing energy demands and confirmed the launch of a strategic energy partnership. He noted significant progress in rebuilding ties, calling recent engagement between the two governments unprecedented in over two decades.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to boosting trade to $50bn and concluding a long-pending comprehensive economic partnership, with Carney expressing hope of sealing the deal by year-end. Analysts view the renewed outreach as a pragmatic move amid shifting global dynamics, as both countries seek diversified trade and energy partnerships.
Under new education initiatives, the University of Toronto announced $100 million to fund up to 200 scholarships for Indian students, along with 13 new university partnerships to expand academic exchanges. The plan includes hybrid study hubs in India through collaborations with Dalhousie University, Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati, as well as AI-focused Centres of Excellence by McGill University. An MoU was also signed to boost cooperation in creative industries.
Prime Minister Mark Carney met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss a forward-looking partnership. His four-day visit began in Mumbai, where he engaged business leaders to strengthen trade and investment ties.
Mukesh and Nita Ambani hosts Canadian Prime Minister
Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani hosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney at their Mumbai residence, Antilia. The visit featured classical dance and folk music performances celebrating India’s artistic heritage. The Carneys were also presented with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita as a gesture of goodwill. In a post on X, Reliance Industries said the gathering highlighted India’s rich cultural traditions and reflected a shared appreciation for heritage, friendship and cultural exchange.
