PM Modi’s Canada Visit Set for December 11–12 as India and Ottawa Push Trade Deal
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Canada on December 11–12, 2026, as New Delhi and Ottawa seek to strengthen bilateral relations, expand economic cooperation and advance negotiations on a proposed trade agreement.
The dates were confirmed by the High Commission of India in Ottawa in a social media post on October 15, according to an ANI report published on October 16. The announcement followed a telephone conversation between Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier in the week.
The two leaders agreed to build on recent progress in bilateral relations and pursue practical outcomes in areas including trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people exchanges.
The visit comes as both countries work to improve ties after a period of diplomatic tensions and seek new opportunities for economic cooperation.
Trade Agreement at the Centre of Discussions
A major focus of the upcoming visit is expected to be the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a trade pact that India and Canada are negotiating.
In its October 13 readout of the conversation between the two prime ministers, the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office said both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to concluding CEPA negotiations at the earliest opportunity.
The agreement is intended to strengthen commercial links and support efforts to increase bilateral trade. Canadian officials have expressed an ambition to double the country's trade with non-US partners over the next decade, while discussions with India form part of Ottawa’s wider trade-diversification strategy.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand said on October 14 that her country aimed to conclude the India trade agreement by the end of 2026. However, the final terms and timing of any agreement remain subject to negotiations.
The December visit could therefore provide an opportunity for the two governments to review progress and identify areas where further agreement is possible. An announcement that a deal will be signed during the visit has not been confirmed by the official statements cited here.
Energy, Technology and Security Also on Agenda
Beyond trade, both governments have identified energy, technology and security as important areas for closer cooperation.
Energy is a significant part of the relationship, with Canada offering potential cooperation in resources and energy supplies. The two countries have also discussed agriculture and the need for reliable international partners amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Technology and innovation are other areas in which the governments see opportunities to deepen engagement. Cooperation in these fields could support commercial investment and wider economic links.
Security discussions have also continued. The Canadian Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the two leaders welcomed a bilateral security dialogue held in India the previous week as part of ongoing engagement between national security advisers and law-enforcement officials.
The governments have not yet published a complete agenda for Modi’s December visit.
Canada Steps Up Engagement With India
Recent diplomatic exchanges have accompanied efforts to strengthen economic relations.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand met Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi in October. According to Global Affairs Canada, their discussions covered energy, education, culture, technology, trade, investment and security.
Anand also highlighted progress on the bilateral roadmap and the potential for further cooperation between the countries.
Meanwhile, Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has led a business delegation to India as part of the Team Canada Trade Mission. The mission aims to explore commercial opportunities and advance the countries’ economic partnership.
These engagements suggest that trade and investment are central to the current diplomatic effort, alongside wider strategic and people-to-people ties.
Background: India-Canada Relations
Relations between India and Canada faced a serious diplomatic dispute following the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and allegations made by Canadian authorities concerning possible links to Indian agents. India rejected the allegations.
The dispute affected diplomatic engagement between the countries. More recently, both governments have taken steps to restore communication and expand cooperation in areas where they share interests.
The renewed discussions do not mean that every outstanding issue has been resolved. Instead, the planned visit comes amid an ongoing effort to rebuild engagement while continuing security and diplomatic dialogue.
What to Expect From the December Visit
The December 11–12 visit will provide an opportunity for Modi and Carney to discuss the next steps in the bilateral relationship.
Key issues to watch include progress on CEPA negotiations, plans to expand trade and investment, energy cooperation, technology partnerships and continued security engagement.
Whether the visit produces a final trade agreement or other formal commitments will depend on the progress made before the leaders meet. Neither the full itinerary nor a definitive list of expected agreements has been confirmed in the official statements cited for this report.