Kananaskis– Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a crucial bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, agreeing to take “calibrated steps” to restore stability and momentum to India-Canada relations, which have been strained in recent months.
According to Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the two leaders had a “very positive and constructive” exchange focused on rebuilding trust and reestablishing diplomatic channels.
“Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Carney concluded a very positive and constructive meeting,” Misri said. “They agreed on a series of calibrated steps to restore stability to this important relationship.”
As a key initial move, both leaders agreed to restore their respective high commissioners in New Delhi and Ottawa at the earliest opportunity. “This will be the first concrete step, with other diplomatic measures to follow in due course,” Misri added.
The meeting underscored the shared values between the two nations, including democracy, the rule of law, and strong people-to-people ties, as well as mutual interests in trade, technology, and global cooperation.
The leaders also resolved to revive senior and working-level dialogues across multiple areas, including trade, connectivity, and cultural exchange. This is expected to inject renewed energy into bilateral ties.
In addition, Modi and Carney discussed expanding collaboration in strategic global sectors such as clean energy, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, food security, and critical minerals. Both sides agreed that discussions on the currently paused trade negotiations should resume soon, with officials instructed to initiate talks at the earliest opportunity.
Canadian Prime Minister Carney acknowledged India’s growing influence on the global stage and its critical participation at the G7. “India’s presence at the G7 is a reflection of its importance in the international order and of Prime Minister Modi’s leadership,” he said, also noting India’s significant contributions to global counter-terrorism efforts.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Carney for the G7 invitation and reflected on his previous visit to Canada in 2015. He noted that India’s G20 presidency had laid the groundwork for ideas now being advanced at the G7.
“It’s an honor to visit Canada again,” Modi said. “The strong foundation laid during India’s G20 presidency is now taking shape in global initiatives discussed here at the G7.”
The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact and meet again at the earliest opportunity. (Source: IANS)
