Jaishankar, Anand Set Plan To Rebuild India-Canada Partnership
NEW DELHI- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand held discussions in New Delhi on October 13 to “restore and reinvigorate” the mechanisms necessary to advance bilateral partnership. The two leaders agreed on an ambitious cooperation roadmap for India-Canada ties.
A joint statement released following their talks stated that, in keeping with the priorities that the Prime Ministers of India and Canada had set out for bringing momentum to the relationship, both sides, based on mutual respect for shared democratic values, the rule of law, and a commitment to upholding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, reached consensus on a ‘New Roadmap’ for India-Canada relations.
The Ministers recognized that in the context of ongoing global economic uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions, a strong and resilient India-Canada bilateral relationship is essential.
“Reviving this partnership will not only create opportunities for enhanced economic cooperation but also help mitigate vulnerabilities arising from shifting global alliances, ensure more reliable supply chains, and reinforce strategic stability in an increasingly complex international environment,” the statement mentioned.
Both ministers expressed satisfaction over the increase in bilateral trade, which reached USD 23.66 billion in 2024, and the expanding presence of Indian and Canadian enterprises in each other’s markets, generating jobs with significant potential for future growth.
The two leaders also acknowledged the important role played by Canadian provinces, six of which maintain representation in India, and by Indian states in advancing mutually beneficial economic cooperation. They agreed to work closely together and instructed their respective teams to initiate necessary steps to implement the agreed roadmap. The two nations also agreed to increase bilateral cooperation on climate action, environmental protection, and conservation.
The two leaders pledged to expand collaboration on global issues, including working to ensure more effective and inclusive multilateral institutions. Following their talks in New Delhi, Jaishankar said that he and Anita Anand discussed global developments and their responses to shared challenges. (IANS)
