Canada and India review roadmap as trade talks continue
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and her Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met in New Delhi on 14 October to review their joint roadmap. Trade negotiations, energy and security cooperation were among the priorities. The ministers welcomed recent security talks and a Canadian trade mission while agreeing to maintain close contact; no completed trade agreement was announced.
Geopolitics··Midday
Anand and Jaishankar take stock in New Delhi
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand met Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi on 14 October. They reviewed bilateral relations and the joint roadmap launched during Anand’s visit to India a year earlier. Jaishankar said they examined progress in trade and investment, education, energy, defence and exchanges between their societies. The meeting formed part of Anand’s visit to deepen relations and discuss regional and global affairs.[1], [2]
Anand said cooperation had advanced in trade negotiations, energy, innovation and security since the roadmap was established. She described India as a valuable partner during geopolitical uncertainty. Canada’s readout linked the renewed strategic partnership to sustained high-level engagement over the previous year. The ministers discussed ways to advance the roadmap’s priorities, including people-to-people ties and security and defence cooperation.[1], [2]
Trade negotiations and a Canadian mission remain on the agenda
The ministers welcomed efforts to advance negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. They also highlighted a Team Canada trade mission led by Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu as an example of expanding economic relations. The mission concerned opportunities to increase trade between the countries. The announced discussions concerned progress in ongoing negotiations, with no completed agreement, new tariff schedule or entry-into-force date announced at the meeting.[1], [2]
Anand and Jaishankar welcomed a recent bilateral security dialogue held in India at national security adviser level. Senior officials had reviewed security and law-enforcement cooperation and committed to sustained engagement on issues of mutual interest. The ministers’ discussion placed those security contacts alongside the trade and energy priorities of the roadmap. Their statements described continuing work between the two governments rather than the signing of a new security agreement.[1], [2]
Anand and Jaishankar also exchanged views on regional and global developments. Canada’s foreign ministry identified the Middle East conflict and the war in Ukraine among the issues discussed. The ministers welcomed forthcoming high-level contacts and agreed to stay in close communication. Anand argued that closer engagement could contribute to a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific, expressing the Canadian government’s view of the relationship’s wider diplomatic importance.[2]
