India-Canada Relations Gain Momentum As PM Modi, Mark Carney Hold Talks, Free Trade Agreement In Focus

New Delhi, October 13 - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a warm and productive telephonic conversation with his Canadian counterpart, Finance Minister Mark Carney, according to a statement released by PM Modi on X. The two nations agreed to build upon the positive momentum in their Strategic Partnership and work towards achieving concrete outcomes across various key areas, including trade, energy, technology, security, and people-to-people ties.

Canadian High Commissioner to India Christopher Cooter hails the bilateral relations between India and Canada as "excellent," stating that the two nations currently enjoy the best relationship they have ever had. Cooter elaborated on the recent high-level engagements between the leadership of both countries, mentioning four Prime Ministerial meetings within a year and regular meetings between their ministers.

The Canadian envoy also highlighted the upcoming visit of Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, who will lead a delegation of 300 Canadian business representatives to India for a week-long engagement.

During the interview, Cooter mentioned that Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand is scheduled to visit India, marking her tenth meeting with her Indian counterpart. The Canadian High Commissioner revealed that Canada's trade delegation will be the largest ever taken to India, with discussions scheduled on energy, migration, and defence. Additionally, Cooter expressed hope that the first Free Trade Agreement between the two nations will be signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Canada in early December.