INTRO: India-Canada signal renewed engagement as foreign ministers discuss trade, technology, and security cooperation amid shifting global trade pressures and plans to expand bilateral commerce.

New Delhi

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a productive conversation with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Monday, focusing on strengthening India Canada relations. Jaishankar said the talks covered deeper cooperation, economic partnership, artificial intelligence, and continued high level exchanges, marking a positive step on Republic Day.

The discussion comes as Canada reassesses its trade choices amid global tensions. United States President Donald Trump has warned Canada against trade deals with China, while high tariffs affect several partners. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged citizens to buy Canadian and reduce reliance on risky external markets.

Carney has also said Canada will double non US exports over the next decade to protect jobs and open new opportunities. India is seen as a key partner in this effort. Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik said Carney is expected to visit India in the coming weeks to expand trade ties after more than two years of strained relations.

Patnaik said the visit may follow India’s Union Budget on February 1 and shows trust returning between the two sides. Both countries face heavy US tariffs, including fifty percent on Indian exports and thirty five percent on Canadian goods.

Earlier, Carney accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India in early 2026. The two governments have restored high commissioners, agreed to boost diplomatic staff, and support people to people ties. India and Canada have also agreed to begin talks on a comprehensive trade pact aiming to raise trade to fifty billion dollars by 2030 as shared publicly.