Published: March 4, 2026 |

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India and Canada on Monday sealed key pacts on supplies of uranium and critical minerals and vowed to soon conclude a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney finalizing a new framework to shore up ties including taking bilateral annual trade to $50 billion by 2030.

In their wide-ranging talks, the two leaders also pledged to ramp up cooperation in defense, critical technologies, small and modular nuclear reactors, education, and renewable energy as Modi said the relations between the two countries are now filled with new energy, mutual trust, and positivity.

Canada is set to support India’s civil nuclear energy sector under the $2.6 billion uranium supply agreement.

The prime minister said both sides agreed that terrorism, extremism, and radicalization are common and serious challenges not only for India and Canada but for all humanity.

“Our close cooperation against these is crucial for global peace and stability,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi and Carney also deliberated on the precarious security situation in West Asia with PM Modi asserting that India supports the resolution of all conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

“The current situation in West Asia is a matter of deep concern for us. India supports the resolution of all disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. We will continue to work with all countries to ensure the safety of all Indian citizens in the region,” the prime minister said in his media statement.

The major outcomes of the Modi-Carney talks were their decision to expand trade relations, a move that comes amid Canada’s increasingly frosty economic ties with the Trump administration.

The fresh move to bolster ties came as part of ongoing efforts by the two sides to reset the relations that came under severe strain following a diplomatic row over the killing of a Khalistani separatist in 2023.

“Our goal is to reach $50 billion in trade by 2030. Unlocking the full potential of economic cooperation is our priority. Therefore, we have decided to finalize the comprehensive economic partnership agreement soon,” said Modi.

“This will create new investment and employment opportunities in both countries. Canada’s pension funds have invested $100 billion in India. This symbolizes their deep belief in India’s growth story,” Modi said.

The volume of two-way annual trade at present is around $13 billion.

ENHANCED COOPERATION

The prime minister said the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on critical minerals will strengthen resilient supply chains.

Canada is known for its significant reservoir of critical minerals and rare earth materials.

“In the energy sector, we are building a next-generation partnership, which will focus on hydrocarbons as well as renewable energy, green hydrogen and energy storage,” Modi said.

“In civil nuclear energy, we have signed a landmark deal for long-term uranium supply. We will also work together on small modular reactors and advanced reactors,” Modi added.

Modi said the growing cooperation between the two countries in the field of defense and security symbolizes the deep mutual trust and the maturity of the relationship.

“We will work to enhance defense industries, maritime domain awareness, and military exchanges. To this end, today we have decided to establish the India-Canada defense dialogue,” Modi said.

MODI, CARNEY HAIL INDIA-CANADA TIES

The prime minister also highlighted the expansion of two-way ties in the education sector.

“New partnerships between several universities in AI, healthcare, agriculture, and innovation are being announced. We also agreed on Canadian universities opening campuses in India,” Modi said.

The prime minister also made a mention of how India and Canada share an ‘unwavering belief’ in democratic values.

“We celebrate diversity. The well-being of humanity is our shared vision. This vision inspires us to move forward in every field. Today, we discussed transforming this vision into a next level partnership,” Modi said.

In his remarks, Carney mentioned the future of India-Canada energy ties.

“Today, we are launching a strategic energy partnership with significant potential to expand bilateral energy trade. We’ve signed a new critical minerals partnership spanning development, processing and secure supply chains for clean energy, electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing,” Mark Carney said.

“We’re deepening our cooperation in clean energy, expanding collaboration across wind, solar and hydrogen, because Canada has big plans as well,” Carney added.

Source: Rediff

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