New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Canada on December 11 and 12, 2026, at a time when New Delhi and Ottawa are working to expand trade and rebuild momentum in their bilateral partnership. The dates were confirmed by the High Commission of India in Ottawa on Friday, October 16, following a recent conversation between Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both governments to move forward on economic cooperation and discuss shared strategic priorities. Trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people exchanges have been identified as key areas where the two sides want to achieve measurable progress.
The announcement follows a series of diplomatic engagements between Indian and Canadian officials, including discussions on a proposed trade agreement and efforts to encourage greater business interaction between the two countries.
Why Is PM Modi Visiting Canada In December?
Modi’s visit follows a telephone conversation with Carney in which both leaders agreed to build on the recent improvement in bilateral engagement. Modi described the exchange as warm and productive, emphasising the importance of advancing the India-Canada strategic partnership.
According to the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office, the leaders discussed ways to strengthen economic links and cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They also addressed the effects of geopolitical uncertainty on the Indo-Pacific region and the importance of dependable partnerships in sectors such as energy and agriculture.
Carney also thanked Modi for his leadership in efforts to find a peaceful resolution to Russia’s war on Ukraine. The two leaders agreed to maintain communication before the December visit.
India-Canada CEPA Talks: What Is At Stake?
A major focus of the renewed engagement is the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Both governments have reaffirmed their intention to conclude negotiations at the earliest opportunity.
The agreement is intended to provide a broader framework for trade and investment, potentially creating more opportunities for companies operating in both markets. However, negotiations remain ongoing, and the agreement has not yet been finalised.
Canada has set a target of doubling bilateral trade with India to approximately C$70 billion by 2030. Progress on CEPA could play an important role in advancing that ambition, alongside business delegations and sector-specific cooperation.
How Are India And Canada Expanding Business Cooperation?
Economic engagement has gained momentum through a Canadian trade mission to India led by International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu. The delegation includes approximately 300 business representatives exploring commercial opportunities across several industries.
The mission is intended to connect businesses, identify areas for investment and support stronger trade links. Its activities come as both countries seek to advance negotiations and establish more predictable opportunities for cross-border commerce.
Energy, technology, innovation and security are also part of the wider bilateral agenda. The December visit is expected to offer another opportunity to discuss how cooperation in these sectors can translate into concrete outcomes.
What Did Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand Discuss In India?
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand met Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi earlier this week. Their discussions covered trade, investment, security, energy, technology and exchanges between people in the two countries.
After meeting Modi, Anand said India and Canada had considerable potential to build a more prosperous future together. She also highlighted the longstanding connections between the two countries, shaped by families, students, entrepreneurs and other communities.
Anand further pointed to progress in trade negotiations and cooperation on energy, innovation and security since her earlier discussions with Jaishankar.
What Could The December Visit Mean For Bilateral Relations?
Modi’s December 11–12 visit will take place as both governments seek to turn renewed diplomatic engagement into practical results. Advancing CEPA negotiations and working towards the 2030 trade target are expected to remain important priorities.
The two sides are also looking to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors and maintain dialogue on regional and international developments.
The visit itself does not mean that a trade agreement has been concluded. Its significance will depend on the progress both governments make towards their stated objectives and whether discussions lead to concrete decisions on trade, investment and wider bilateral cooperation.
