Anita Anand’s India Visit Puts Trade Deal, Energy & Security Ties in Focus

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is visiting India for talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on trade, energy, security and defence, as the two countries work towards concluding negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026.

The visit forms part of Anand’s October 13–16 tour of India and the United Arab Emirates. According to the Canadian government, her discussions in New Delhi will advance priorities under the bilateral cooperation roadmap, including people-to-people ties.

It will be the ministers’ 11th meeting since September 2025, reflecting sustained diplomatic engagement.

TRADE AGREEMENT TAKES CENTRE STAGE

India and Canada began the fifth round of CEPA negotiations in Ottawa earlier this month. Energy, critical minerals and aerospace have emerged as areas for deeper economic cooperation.

Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is also joining the delegation to advance the negotiations and lead a business mission involving nearly 300 delegates.

Sidhu described it as Canada’s largest trade delegation to India in more than 30 years.

The participating businesses will explore partnerships in aerospace, clean energy, technology, life sciences, agri-food and forestry.

“India is home to more than 1.4 billion people and is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, making it a significant opportunity for Canadian businesses to reach new customers,” Sidhu said.

CANADA TARGETS $70 BILLION IN TRADE

Canada aims to more than double bilateral trade with India to $70 billion by 2030.

According to figures cited in the Canadian government’s release, two-way trade reached $30.4 billion in 2025, including $11 billion in goods.

The business mission is intended to connect Canadian expertise with Indian demand while opening investment opportunities. The proposed CEPA is expected to provide a framework for expanding that engagement, although negotiations remain underway.

ENERGY, SECURITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION

Anand’s talks with Jaishankar will also cover energy, security and defence cooperation, alongside the relationship’s substantial people-to-people links.

In New Delhi, she will participate in a Bloomberg New Economy Forum panel on middle powers and the changing global order. Her engagements will emphasise multilateral cooperation and Canada’s role as a partner for India and the Indo-Pacific.

Anand will subsequently travel to the UAE for discussions on commercial partnerships, defence and security, artificial intelligence and innovation.

With inputs from ANI