Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to travel to India in the first week of March, where he is likely to sign a series of wide-ranging agreements spanning energy, nuclear cooperation, critical minerals and advanced technologies, according to a report by news agency Reuters. The proposed visit is being seen as an important move in Canada’s broader effort to reduce its heavy economic dependence on the United States and build stronger partnerships with other major economies.
India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, told Reuters that the visit could result in multiple bilateral agreements covering uranium supply, oil and gas cooperation, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, as well as education and cultural exchanges. Among the key deals under discussion is a long-term uranium supply agreement, potentially spanning 10 years and valued at around 2.8 billion Canadian dollars, which would significantly deepen nuclear cooperation between the two countries.
Canada’s Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, who is currently visiting India, said discussions would focus on expanding collaboration under the existing Canada–India nuclear cooperation framework, subject to international safeguards. He added that energy and mining would be central pillars of engagement, with both sides exploring opportunities related to crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and mineral resources critical to future technologies.
Carney’s proposed visit also signals an attempt to reset relations with India after ties deteriorated during the tenure of his predecessor, Justin Trudeau. Relations were strained following Trudeau’s allegations that Indian government agents were involved in the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, accusations that New Delhi has strongly denied. Officials now say both sides are keen to move past the diplomatic impasse and restore momentum in bilateral engagement.
Formal negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Canada are expected to begin in March, Patnaik said. Trade talks had been stalled for nearly two years before both governments agreed in November to revive the process. According to Patnaik, once negotiations begin, the CEPA could potentially be finalised within a year, paving the way for expanded trade and investment flows.
The renewed push toward India comes as Carney prioritises diversifying Canada’s trade relationships amid growing global uncertainty. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, he argued that the existing rules-based international order is under strain and urged middle powers to form new coalitions to create a more resilient global system.
This urgency has been reinforced by rising trade tensions, including fresh warnings from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened steep tariffs on Canada if it moves forward with certain international trade deals, particularly with China. Patnaik said both India and Canada recognise the need to act swiftly in forging alternative partnerships as global trade dynamics become increasingly volatile.
Looking ahead, Patnaik said India’s National Security Advisor is expected to visit Ottawa next month for discussions focused on intelligence cooperation and security issues. He also indicated that Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are likely to travel to Canada in the near future as part of the broader diplomatic and economic engagement.
On the Nijjar case, Patnaik noted that legal proceedings are ongoing in Canada against four accused individuals. He added that India would take appropriate action if credible evidence emerges linking any Indian nationals to the killing, underscoring New Delhi’s stated position on the matter.
