After EU leaders leave, Canadian PM Carney set to visit Delhi; Why Canada is suddenly knocking on India’s door | World News

India Global Diplomacy: While European Union (EU) leaders complete their visit to India, another important diplomatic move is being made in New Delhi. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is preparing to travel to India in the first week of March. The visit marks a change in Ottawa’s approach to New Delhi after a long period of tense relations. Canada now sees India as an important partner for energy, minerals and future technologies.

Sources confirmed that Canadian External Affairs Minister Anita Anand discussed the proposed visit with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar earlier in the day. The aid comes as Carney tries to revive relations that deteriorated during Justin Trudeau’s tenure. Ottawa is committed to turning a new page and moving forward with cooperation that serves its economic and strategic needs.

Why has India become so important to Canada?

Carney’s visit comes at an important time. India signed a major free trade agreement with the EU. At the same time, Canada is also looking for reliable partners outside the United States. Washington is Canada’s largest trading partner, but uncertainty over tariffs and trade policy under President Donald Trump has troubled Ottawa.

Speaking recently in Davos, the Canadian prime minister said that the old global economic order no longer exists. Canada now wants to reduce its dependence on the United States and work closely with fast-growing middle powers. India fits this vision.

Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik said both countries are moving towards charting their own path in a world facing uncertainty. Canada now sees India as more than a market. He sees the country as a strategic partner.

Energy is at the heart of Canada’s concern. Talks around a uranium supply deal worth around R17,000 billion are expected to take place during Carney’s visit. The agreement may cover 10 years. Canadian Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said Canada is ready to supply uranium to India, respecting international frameworks.

He believes India’s civilian nuclear program is expanding and Canada can play an important role as a long-term supplier.

Beyond nuclear fuel, Canada is also focusing on critical minerals. Lithium and cobalt reserves put Canada in a strong position at a time when global demand for batteries and clean technology continues to grow. India offers scale, demand and manufacturing ambition.

Hodgson said Canada wants to engage with large and growing economies. India is at the center of this strategy. Talks are also expected to be held on artificial intelligence and quantum computing, and both sides are expected to explore cooperation in advanced research and innovation.

Trade negotiations are starting again. India and Canada agreed in November to restart previously stalled talks. According to Patnaik, formal negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement are expected to begin in March.

Officials believe that if negotiations proceed smoothly, the agreement could be signed within a year.

Efforts to repair trust continue. Relations had soured in 2023 following Justin Trudeau’s allegations regarding the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has maintained that it will act on any credible evidence provided through appropriate channels.

To rebuild trust, India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is scheduled to visit Ottawa next month. The visit will focus on security cooperation and intelligence sharing.

Mark Carney’s trip to India has deeper meaning for Canada. It reflects economic pressure, strategic necessity and the search for stability beyond traditional alliances. As global trade patterns change, Canada is looking urgently at India’s market power and strategic weight.