Modi, Carney Review Bilateral Ties at G7 Summit, Reaffirm Commitment to CEPA by 2026
Evian (France), June 16 (TNT): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian on Tuesday and reviewed progress in India-Canada relations, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The two leaders welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction over developments since Carney’s visit to India in March this year.
Emphasising the complementarities between the Indian and Canadian economies, the Prime Ministers highlighted the importance of resilient and reliable supply chains in enhancing global energy and food security.
The leaders reviewed progress in economic cooperation, including commercial arrangements relating to liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and metallurgical coal.
Modi and Carney also welcomed the growing pace of high-level engagements between the two countries.
They noted the recent visit of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to Canada and looked forward to a Canadian trade mission to India later this year, to be led by Canada’s Minister of International Trade.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made in negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and reaffirmed their shared objective of concluding the agreement in 2026.
The leaders also reviewed expanding institutional engagement, including recent meetings of the Joint Science and Technology Committee and the Consular Dialogue, and looked forward to forthcoming discussions in the areas of defence, finance and migration.
To further strengthen defence and security cooperation, the two countries agreed to launch negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA).
They also welcomed recent exchanges between defence institutions, including the visit of India’s National Defence College to Canada.
The Prime Ministers noted ongoing collaboration under the Canada–India Talent and Innovation Strategy, aimed at promoting skill development, innovation partnerships and educational cooperation between institutions in both countries.
During the meeting, Modi conveyed India’s support for Canada becoming a Dialogue Partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
The leaders also announced the establishment of Raisina Americas as a platform to deepen dialogue, exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Carney for inviting him to visit Canada in 2026.
Both leaders agreed to remain engaged through diplomatic channels to finalise mutually convenient dates for the visit.
TNT KM
