Anita Anand’s India visit
Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand began her official trip to India, signaling a renewed attempt by both countries to restore and strengthen their fragile ties. Her visit coincides with Ottawa and New Delhi‘s efforts to reach an agreement on critical issues like trade, energy, security, and investment. Anand arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, kicking off the first leg of her three-nation tour, which will also take her to Singapore and China. Her visit signals a diplomatic push to re-engage with India following months of tension and stalled negotiations.
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Meeting PM Modi: A push for new momentum
On Monday, Foreign Minister Anand met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi welcomed Anand warmly and said her visit could bring “new momentum” to India–Canada ties. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration in areas like technology, agriculture, clean energy, and trade. He also mentioned his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier this year at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, where both leaders expressed a willingness to reestablish relations and expand collaboration. Modi highlighted India and Canada’s shared principles, including democratic traditions and people-to-people interactions fostered by a large Indian diaspora in Canada.
Meeting Jaishankar
Anand also held detailed discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. It was her first official meeting with him since taking over the foreign affairs portfolio in Canada. During their talks, both ministers agreed on the need to rebuild trust and expand cooperation across multiple sectors. Jaishankar noted that ties between the two nations have seen “steady progress” in recent months and said both sides are working to restore the mechanisms necessary to support a long-term, stable partnership. “You met the Prime Minister this morning and heard his vision for cooperation,” Jaishankar told Anand. “When we look at Canada, we see a complementary economy, an open society, and shared values like diversity and pluralism. These are the building blocks of a lasting partnership.” He also mentioned ongoing discussions between both countries’ national security advisers, as well as between the ministries of trade and foreign affairs.
Resetting Canada–India ties
The visit comes amid a renewed push from both governments to frame a strategic cooperation roadmap. A statement from Canada’s foreign ministry said the aim is to diversify trade, explore clean energy partnerships, and enhance security cooperation. Anand is also scheduled to meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during her visit. Their talks are expected to focus on ways to boost two-way trade and unlock new investment opportunities. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Anand’s visit is intended to revitalize the bilateral relationship by deepening collaboration in trade, energy transition, and innovation, while also strengthening people-to-people ties.
Other engagements
Following her meetings in Delhi, Anand will go to Mumbai to meet with Canadian and Indian business leaders. The emphasis will be on increasing cross-border investment and job development, particularly in technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing. Officials say Anand’s stop in Mumbai highlights Canada’s interest in building economic partnerships on the ground, not just at the political level. Anand’s travel to India is a cautious but significant step toward rebuilding diplomatic ties. After months of political turmoil, both sides appear to be open to talking, cooperating, and charting a new direction. The extent to which this visit results in long-term change will be determined by how both governments respond in the coming months. For the time being, however, Canada and India are resuming open and guarded engagement.
