New Delhi witnessed significant developments on March 2 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of the India-Canada Defence Dialogue. This announcement came during discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was on an official visit to India. In addition to the defence dialogue, the two leaders revealed plans for a long-term uranium supply agreement and a target to elevate bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by the year 2030.

Focus on Expanding Partnership through Memorandums of Understanding

During a joint press conference at Hyderabad House, PM Modi detailed various Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing the partnership between the two nations. These agreements covered areas such as energy and critical minerals, technology and artificial intelligence, talent and culture, and defence. Three specific MoUs were exchanged by Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, pertaining to Critical Mineral Cooperation, Renewable Energy promotion, and Cultural Cooperation.

Strengthening Defence and Cultural Ties

Addressing the media, PM Modi noted that the growing cooperation in defence is a testament to the mutual trust and maturity of India-Canada relations. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to bolster Defence Industries, Maritime Domain Awareness, and Military Exchanges, underscoring the significance of the newly established Defence Dialogue. He highlighted the importance of people-to-people connections, mentioning various educational collaborations that aim to foster partnerships in fields such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, and agriculture, including the opening of a Canadian university campus in India.

Commitment to Shared Security Concerns

The discussion also touched on mutual concerns regarding terrorism, extremism, and radicalization, which both leaders acknowledged as challenges affecting not just their countries but humanity at large. PM Modi reiterated India’s stance on global peace and urged for collaboration to strengthen maritime partnerships. He expressed concern over the situation in West Asia, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes and assuring collaboration with regional countries for the safety of Indian citizens.

New Strategic Energy Partnership and Economic Initiatives

In addition to defence talks, a Strategic Energy Partnership was announced, focusing on liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, uranium, solar energy, and hydrogen. PM Modi introduced the establishment of the India-Canada Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence in India, signaling advancements in agricultural cooperation. Furthermore, the leaders confirmed plans to formalize a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of the year, following discussions among chief negotiators in New Delhi and completion of the Terms of Reference for the agreement.

Collaborations in Space and Law Enforcement

Developments in space collaboration were also highlighted, with the Canadian Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organisation agreeing to work together on Earth observation initiatives and explore potential joint projects in space exploration and quantum technologies. The two nations underscored the need to tackle issues related to illegal drug trafficking, particularly concerning fentanyl precursors and transnational organized crime, reinforcing their joint commitment to enhancing security and law enforcement measures.

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