Canada PM Carney draws a line in Davos that leads to New Delhi. Ahead of India visit, here are his asks

In recent years, the relationship between Canada and India has undergone a significant reset, especially following a low point in 2024. Under the leadership of Canadian Prime Minister Carney, Ottawa has strategically pivoted towards New Delhi, seeking to deepen ties across multiple sectors. This shift was highlighted during Carney's meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa in November 2025, where Carney emphasized the need for a holistic approach to the bilateral relationship. He advocated for serious outcomes and clear timelines to solidify cooperation, signaling a new era of engagement between the two nations.

One of the primary areas of focus in this renewed partnership is energy security. Canada, with its vast natural resources, aims to collaborate with India to ensure stable and sustainable energy supplies. This includes not only traditional energy sources but also a strong emphasis on clean energy initiatives. Both countries recognize the critical importance of transitioning to greener energy solutions to address climate change and meet global sustainability goals. Consequently, clean energy cooperation has become a cornerstone of their bilateral agenda.

Beyond energy, critical minerals have emerged as another vital domain of collaboration. These minerals are essential for manufacturing technologies such as electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and advanced electronics. Canada’s rich deposits of these minerals present an opportunity to support India’s growing industrial and technological ambitions. By securing access to these resources, India can bolster its manufacturing capabilities while Canada benefits from a reliable market and partnership.

Artificial intelligence (AI) also features prominently in Carney’s vision for Canada-India ties. Both countries are keen to harness AI’s transformative potential across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, and governance. Collaborative efforts in AI research, development, and deployment could accelerate innovation and economic growth. Furthermore, enhanced market access is a critical ask from Carney’s side, aiming to reduce trade barriers and facilitate smoother commerce between the two nations. This would enable Canadian companies to tap into India’s vast and expanding market more effectively.

The implications of this renewed engagement extend beyond bilateral benefits. Strengthening Canada-India relations aligns with broader geopolitical and economic trends, including the diversification of supply chains and the pursuit of strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. For Canada, deepening ties with India offers a way to mitigate risks associated with overreliance on traditional partners. For India, collaboration with Canada supports its ambitions for technological advancement and sustainable development.

As Prime Minister Carney prepares for his upcoming visit to India, the expectations are clear: tangible progress on energy cooperation, critical minerals access, AI collaboration, and improved market connectivity. This visit is poised to reinforce the momentum built since 2024 and set the stage for a robust, multifaceted partnership. The focus on concrete outcomes and timelines underscores a pragmatic approach, aiming to translate diplomatic goodwill into measurable results that benefit both nations’ economies and strategic interests.