Trade, energy, AI: India, Canada take series of steps to restore ties, Pg2.

Key Highlights:

• Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand visited India, marking the first such visit in over two years.
• India and Canada agreed to resume the India-Canada CEOs Forum in early 2026.
• Both nations will revive the energy dialogue and discuss civil nuclear energy cooperation.
• A joint working group on higher education will also be re-established.
• Discussions will commence at the ministerial level regarding bilateral trade and investment.
• In 2024, India-Canada bilateral trade totaled $33.9 billion.

Detailed Insights:

• Relations deteriorated in 2023 after Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which India denied.
• Prime Ministers Modi and Carney met at the G7 Summit in June, tasking officials to improve relations.
• The joint statement emphasized "respect for each other’s concerns," referencing pro-Khalistan activities in Canada.
• Both countries aim to strengthen cooperation in education, tourism, cultural exchange, and professional mobility.
• Discussions include promoting trade in LNG & LPG, investment in oil and gas, and collaboration on green hydrogen and CCUS.
• They plan to hold the first Critical Minerals Annual Dialogue in Toronto in March 2026.
• The Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee will be relaunched, focusing on AI and digital infrastructure.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Bilateral Trade: Exchange of goods and services between two countries.
• Critical Minerals: Minerals essential for economic and technological development.
• Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources.