Mark Carney Aims to Reset Strategic Ties with Narendra Modi

The much-anticipated Mark Carney India Visit 2026 will begin this week, as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney embarks on a three-day trip aimed at revitalising ties between Canada and India.

According to an official statement from Ottawa, Carney will spend two days in Mumbai before travelling to New Delhi on March 2 for high-level bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The visit marks Carney’s first official trip to India since assuming office and is widely viewed as an attempt to stabilise and elevate a relationship that experienced turbulence following the 2023 killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil — an episode that tested diplomatic trust between the two democracies.

Mark Carney: Resetting a Strategic Partnership

At the heart of the Mark Carney India Visit 2026 is a renewed commitment to strategic cooperation. Energy, trade, defence, technology and security are expected to dominate discussions as both leaders look to restore momentum in bilateral engagement.

Ottawa has framed the visit as part of a broader Indo-Pacific outreach that includes stops in Australia and Japan. In a statement, Carney’s office emphasised that in “a more divided and uncertain world,” Canada’s new government is focused on strengthening economic independence, diversifying trade relationships, and attracting global investment.

India, one of Canada’s fastest-growing trade partners in the Indo-Pacific, is central to that strategy.

Trade Pact Back on the Table

One of the most significant outcomes anticipated from the Mark Carney India Visit 2026 is the revival of negotiations toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA).

Both sides are seeking to lay the groundwork for a long-term trade pact capable of pushing bilateral trade to $50 billion annually by 2050. Trade discussions had previously stalled, but officials now suggest that fresh political will could accelerate progress.

Carney is also scheduled to meet business leaders in Mumbai — India’s financial capital — to identify new investment opportunities and encourage deeper private-sector collaboration. Canadian firms are eyeing expansion in clean energy, infrastructure, agri-tech and digital innovation, while Indian companies continue to explore opportunities in Canadian mining, education, technology and financial services sectors.

Mark Carney: Energy Security and Uranium Deal in Focus

Energy cooperation is expected to feature prominently during the New Delhi leg of the Mark Carney India Visit 2026. Sources indicate that a 10-year uranium procurement agreement could be signed, strengthening India’s nuclear energy supply chain while reinforcing Canada’s role as a reliable uranium exporter.

Such an agreement would represent a concrete step toward rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation in clean and sustainable energy. For India, securing diversified uranium supplies supports its long-term energy transition goals. For Canada, it aligns with its ambition to remain a global energy partner in both conventional and low-carbon sectors.

Expanding Cooperation in AI, Defence and Talent Mobility

Beyond trade and energy, the leaders are expected to announce expanded cooperation in artificial intelligence, advanced technology and defence.

India’s growing digital economy and Canada’s research ecosystem offer natural complementarities, particularly in AI development, semiconductor collaboration and cybersecurity frameworks. The visit is likely to explore academic partnerships, talent mobility programs and startup linkages that can deepen innovation ecosystems in both countries.

Defence collaboration, including maritime security and Indo-Pacific stability initiatives, is also expected to form part of the agenda — reflecting shared concerns over regional security dynamics.