Key Highlights
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held their fourth meeting in less than a year on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to a forward-looking strategic partnership.
Details of the Meeting
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "It was a delight to meet Prime Minister Carney on the sidelines of the Evian G7 Summit. In less than a year, it is our fourth meeting, indicating our commitment to strong India-Canada ties." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal added that both leaders reviewed excellent progress in bilateral engagement and discussed ways to build a stronger partnership driven by trade, energy, innovation, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Progress in Bilateral Relations
The two prime ministers welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral relations and noted progress achieved since Carney's visit to India in March this year. They highlighted complementarities between the Indian and Canadian economies and underscored the importance of resilient supply chains for global energy and food security. Progress in economic cooperation, including commercial arrangements for LNG, LPG, and metallurgical coal, was reviewed. Satisfaction was expressed over negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with a shared objective to conclude talks in 2026.
Defence and Security Cooperation
The two sides agreed to launch negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement to deepen defence and security cooperation. They also welcomed growing institutional engagement, including recent meetings of the Joint Science and Technology Committee and the Consular Dialogue, and looked forward to dialogues in defence, finance, and migration.
Other Areas of Cooperation
Leaders noted ongoing collaboration under the Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy and announced the establishment of Raisina Americas as a platform to strengthen dialogue and exchanges. PM Modi also expressed support for Canada becoming a Dialogue Partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
Background
The ties between India and Canada had hit a low following allegations by former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau in 2023 regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, after Carney became prime minister in March last year, both sides initiated measures to rebuild relations. Carney's visit to India from February 27 to March 2 saw key pacts on uranium and critical minerals, and an agreement to conclude a comprehensive economic partnership agreement soon.
FAQ
Where did PM Modi and Canadian PM Carney meet?
They met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France.
What key areas were discussed during the meeting?
Trade, energy, innovation, education, defence, and people-to-people exchanges were discussed.
What agreements were highlighted?
Progress on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), LNG, LPG, metallurgical coal deals, and a General Security of Information Agreement were highlighted.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com