India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s return to Canada after a decade, as a special invitee to the 51st G7 Summit, has catalysed a fresh chapter in the two nations’ bilateral partnership. Against the backdrop of global deliberations on energy security, technology and the priorities of the Global South, Modi’s tête-à-tête with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney signalled both sides’ determination to move past recent diplomatic tensions and deepen cooperation across multiple fronts.
Modi landed in Calgary on Monday and was met with a ceremonial reception by Acting High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik, a gesture that underscored Canada’s renewed warmth towards its largest diaspora. It was Modi’s sixth consecutive G7 attendance but his first Canadian visit since 2015—a milestone eagerly leveraged by both sides.
“Landed in Calgary to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. I will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South,” Modi posted on X upon arrival, setting the stage for intense bilateral engagements.
On Tuesday afternoon at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Modi and Carney met for the first time since Carney took office in late 2024. In their wide-ranging discussion, they praised each other’s electoral mandates and reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, the rule of law and people-centric growth.
“It’s a great honour to host you at the G7,” Carney told Modi.
“This meeting is a testament to the importance of your country, to your leadership and to the critical issues we tackle together—from energy transition to artificial intelligence to combating transnational repression and terrorism.”
Modi reciprocated by congratulating Carney on steering a successful summit and invited him to New Delhi. “India and Canada are connected by a strong belief in democracy, freedom and the rule of law,” Modi said.
“I look forward to working closely with you to add momentum to our friendship—in trade, energy, space, clean technologies, critical minerals, fertilisers and more.”
The cordial exchange marks a stark departure from the low point of bilateral ties in 2023, when Canada accused Indian agents of involvement in the murder of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil. Both governments expelled senior diplomats in a diplomatic tit-for-tat, and Ottawa pressed New Delhi to clamp down on extremist elements. India rejected the allegations, insisting that the accusations lacked evidence.
Yet, as Modi and Carney sat down at Kananaskis, that chapter appeared closed. “I am very grateful for the invitation to participate as a guest country,” Modi told Carney.
“India, as G20 chair, laid important groundwork for the global good. We now have a great opportunity to carry that momentum into the G7.”
During their meeting, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the depth of Canada–India relations, underscored by mutual respect for the rule of law and shared commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The two leaders agreed to appoint new high commissioners in each country, restoring full consular services for citizens and businesses. They also highlighted the historic bonds between their peoples and explored expanded cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, noting significant commercial ties in economic growth, supply chains, and the energy transition.
On G7 priorities, Prime Minister Carney raised concerns over transnational crime and repression, regional security, and the importance of upholding a rules-based international order.
Roadmap for Renewed Collaboration
In subsequent meetings, India and Canada outlined concrete areas for cooperation:
- Trade & Investment: Building on Canada’s investments in India’s green energy and technology sectors, and India’s growing footprint in Canadian manufacturing and services.
- Energy Security: Collaborating on diversification strategies, infrastructure financing and renewable power—an agenda both leaders championed during suite-wide G7 sessions.
- Technology & Innovation: Deepening ties in AI research, digital public infrastructure and quantum technology, leveraging India’s booming startup ecosystem and Canada’s advanced R&D capabilities.
- Critical Minerals & Sustainable Development: Co-investing in battery materials and rare earth processing to secure supply chains critical to decarbonisation.
While Canada loomed large in Modi’s schedule, the summit also saw Modi reinforce ties with a range of partners—from Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, Australia’s Anthony Albanese and South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung to the European Union’s Ursula von der Leyen. Each meeting carried its own promise of stronger economic, security and cultural bonds. Yet it was the Canada dialogue that stood out as the must-win bilateral after years of mistrust.
As Modi departs for his final G7 nation, Croatia, both he and Carney will return to their capitals buoyed by new momentum. With trade negotiations, joint energy projects and people-to-people exchanges on the horizon, the India–Canada axis is poised for a significant upgrade—one built on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a forward-looking agenda for the 21st century.
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