Modi speaks to Carney, says India and Canada contribute to stable, prosperous world

The call focused on rebuilding India-Canada ties and turning improved political relations into practical results. Modi described the conversation as warm and productive. Both leaders agreed to build momentum across trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people links. They also discussed defence and security, according to Canada’s readout.

The central mechanism is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to conclude its negotiations at the earliest opportunity. They also set a broader economic goal: doubling two-way trade, which stood at about $23 billion in 2025, by 2030.

The agreement could be announced in mid-December, when Modi is expected to visit Canada for his first bilateral visit there in more than a decade. The call therefore connects immediate diplomatic engagement with a specific trade timetable and a longer-term economic target.

A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is a broad trade pact. It usually sets rules for goods, services, investment and other economic activity between participating countries. Its purpose is to make cross-border business more predictable and easier. The article identifies CEPA as the agreement India and Canada want to conclude, but it does not provide a detailed list of provisions.

The key mechanism is negotiation. Officials from both countries are working to settle the agreement’s terms, while their leaders reaffirmed a commitment to finish talks at the earliest opportunity. A completed pact could establish clearer conditions for companies and traders, though its exact effects would depend on the final text.

The proposed timing is significant. Officials expect an announcement in mid-December, when Modi is expected to visit Ottawa. The agreement is part of a wider strategic partnership covering trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people ties.

India and Canada currently trade about $23 billion in goods and services, according to the Canadian Prime Minister’s office readout cited in the article. That figure describes two-way trade in 2025. It provides the baseline for a much larger economic ambition between the two countries.

Their target is to double bilateral trade by 2030. The proposed CEPA is the main mechanism linked to that goal. By setting agreed rules and improving access for businesses, such an agreement could support more commercial exchange, although the article does not specify the sectors or concessions involved.

The target comes as political engagement has accelerated. Modi and Carney have met twice this year, and senior ministers are holding talks in Delhi. Officials expect to announce the agreement in mid-December, during Modi’s planned visit to Canada.

Completing the agreement could give businesses clearer rules for trading and investing across the two markets. That matters because India and Canada want to double two-way trade from about $23 billion in 2025 by 2030. The pact would turn political goodwill into a more structured economic relationship.

The likely mechanism is a negotiated framework covering commercial access and cooperation. Greater certainty can encourage companies to explore investment, energy projects and technology partnerships. Stronger business ties may also increase travel by workers, investors and other visitors. These are possible effects of a broad trade agreement, not specific promises listed in the article.

The agreement would sit within a wider strategic partnership. Modi and Carney also highlighted energy, technology, security and people-to-people ties. If negotiations conclude, officials expect an announcement in mid-December, when Modi plans to visit Canada.

The relationship suffered a major rupture after Canada’s previous Trudeau government accused India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani activist Harjeet Singh Nijjar. The article says relations were suspended from 2023 to 2025. The current engagement shows both sides are trying to move beyond that period while avoiding a detailed public reference to the case.

A practical mechanism is renewed official contact. Modi and Carney have met twice this year, ministers are holding talks in Delhi, and security officials discussed cooperation on security and law enforcement. The leaders are also pursuing CEPA negotiations and a larger trade relationship, creating concrete areas for cooperation.

The broader reason is strategic. New Delhi has increased engagement with middle powers as the United States, Russia and China act unilaterally, according to the article. India and Canada therefore see value in trusted cooperation on trade, energy, agriculture, security and the Indo-Pacific.

Middle powers are countries with meaningful economic, diplomatic or military influence but without the worldwide dominance of superpowers. India, Canada, Brazil, Kenya and Australia fit the article’s example of countries working through partnerships. They can often connect different regions and build agreement on practical issues.

Their cooperation works through coalitions, joint initiatives and shared diplomacy. During UNGA week, India agreed to co-sponsor the European Union-led Partnership for Multilateralism with Canada, Kenya and Brazil. A panel in Delhi will also examine the “Middle Power Moment” with Indian, Canadian, British and Australian figures.

This cooperation matters because New Delhi sees unilateral behaviour from the United States, Russia and China. Working with other middle powers can create trusted relationships in areas such as energy, agriculture, security and trade. It can also strengthen support for multilateral solutions without requiring every country to share identical interests.

Multilateralism is cooperation among several countries through shared discussions, agreements or institutions. It matters because international problems often cross borders, while decisions by one powerful country can affect many others. Broad participation can make rules more representative and outcomes more predictable.

The article gives one example: India agreed to co-sponsor the European Union-initiated Partnership for Multilateralism with Canada, Kenya and Brazil during UNGA week. This mechanism brings multiple countries behind a common diplomatic effort. The article also describes India and Canada discussing trusted partners and peaceful communication over issues affecting wider regions.

A stronger multilateral system could support a more stable international order. It gives countries opportunities to coordinate on security, trade, energy and global crises. India’s growing engagement with middle powers reflects this approach, especially as the United States, Russia and China are described as acting unilaterally.