Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit India in the first week of March, according to media reports citing diplomatic sources. The visit, if confirmed, is anticipated to mark a significant step in strengthening economic and strategic engagement between the two countries.
Reports indicate that the proposed visit could lead to multiple agreements spanning sectors such as uranium supply, clean energy, critical minerals and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, was quoted as saying that discussions are also underway for cooperation in nuclear energy, oil and gas, environmental initiatives, quantum computing, as well as education and cultural exchanges. A long-term uranium supply arrangement, potentially valued at $2.8 billion over ten years, is also believed to be part of the proposed agenda.
While specific dates have not been officially announced, Canada’s Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, who is currently visiting India, acknowledged that plans for the prime minister’s visit are in motion. However, he noted that the timing would depend on the progress of ongoing discussions. Hodgson also reiterated that Canada is open to exporting uranium to India under existing nuclear cooperation frameworks, provided international safeguards are upheld.
In parallel, both sides are preparing to formally launch negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) starting in March. The proposed pact aims to significantly boost bilateral trade, with a long-term target of reaching USD 50 billion by 2030.
High-level exchanges between the two countries are expected to intensify in the coming months. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are likely to visit Canada soon, while National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is scheduled to travel to Ottawa next month for discussions related to security and intelligence cooperation.
The diplomatic momentum follows a recent conversation between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, during which both sides emphasized expanding collaboration across economic, technological and strategic domains.
The developments come against a backdrop of shifting global trade dynamics. Prime Minister Carney has recently urged Canadians to support domestic industries amid rising international trade tensions and has signaled Canada’s intent to reduce dependence on the US market by expanding trade links with other regions, including Asia.
India and Canada have been working to reset ties after the return of high commissioners in August 2025. Both governments have agreed to expand diplomatic staffing, enhance people-to-people connections and strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
Carney had earlier accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India during discussions on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa. The anticipated March visit is now seen as a continuation of efforts by both nations to deepen engagement and broaden their strategic and economic partnership.
