As India and Canada move toward stabilising a relationship that witnessed diplomatic strain in recent years, the proposed 2026 visit of the Canadian Prime Minister marks a critical moment in bilateral recalibration. Anchored by the resumption of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations and renewed strategic dialogue, the visit signals cautious normalisation amid shifting geopolitical realities.

About the Episode

In this episode of Policy Beyond Borders by CPPR (Centre for Public Policy Research), titled “Rebuilding the Momentum in 2026: The Canadian Prime Minister’s Visit to India,” we explore:

• The diplomatic significance of the Canadian Prime Minister’s visit and what indicators will determine whether it reflects stabilisation or substantive recalibration
• The resumption of CEPA negotiations and the prospects for interim sector-specific agreements in trade, services, and investment
• Cooperation in critical minerals, clean energy, nuclear fuel supply, and supply chain resilience as pillars of strategic engagement
• The broader geopolitical context of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy and India’s approach to diversified partnerships with G7 economies

SPEAKER:

Ambassador Sanjay Kumar Verma

Former High Commissioner of India to Canada

MODERATOR:

Dr Dhritishree Bordalai

Senior Research Associate – International Relations

Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kochi, Kerala, India

Key Discussion Points:

• India-Canada relations enter a cautious phase of diplomatic normalisation following tensions since 2023.
• CEPA negotiations resume after being paused, with expectations of calibrated and incremental progress rather than rapid breakthroughs.
• Bilateral trade remains under-leveraged at approximately USD 23–24 billion, highlighting untapped complementarities across agri-food, energy, services, and clean technology.
• Strategic sectors such as critical minerals and clean energy align with both Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy and India’s economic diversification priorities.
• The visit reflects broader geoeconomic realignments, supply chain diversification, and the search for resilient middle-power partnerships.

🎧Listen now to understand whether this moment represents a limited thaw, a sector-specific reset, or the beginning of a more structured and resilient India-Canada partnership in an increasingly complex global order.

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