Canadian FM Anita Anand in Delhi for India-Canada reset

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand held high-level talks with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on 13th October, marking a key step toward revitalizing bilateral ties between Ottawa and New Delhi.

Anand arrived in the Indian capital on Sunday evening for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, technology, security, and clean energy. Her discussions with Jaishankar focused on diplomatic and strategic ties, while meetings with Goyal explored trade diversification, supply chain resilience, and progress toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

During the talks, Jaishankar said, “Our meeting continues the constructive conversations that we have been having since our telephone call on 26th May. India–Canada relations have been steadily progressing in the last two months, and we intend to restore and reinvigorate the mechanisms necessary to advance our partnership.”

He outlined an ambitious roadmap across multiple sectors including trade, investment, agriculture, science and technology, civil nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and climate solutions. Jaishankar also welcomed the re-establishment of high commissioners in both capitals, calling it an important step toward normalizing diplomatic exchanges.

Anand echoed this optimism: “Both of our governments agree on the importance of elevating the relationship going further. This joint statement will discuss our mutual plans for re-engagement and inform Canadians and Indians alike that we are collectively committed to advancing this relationship now and in the long term, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.”

Anand’s visit comes after a period of strained relations following Canada’s 2023 allegations concerning the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which India dismissed as “absurd.” Diplomatic tensions led to mutual expulsions of diplomats and a pause in formal talks, making these meetings a crucial reset in India-Canada relations.

The visit is part of Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific Strategy and includes a trip to Mumbai to meet business leaders and promote investment, particularly in clean technology and innovation.