Highlights:
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada around December, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney said Tuesday (22), as the two countries continue negotiations toward a potential free trade agreement.
Carney made the remarks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York while answering questions about Modi’s expected visit and the status of trade negotiations between Ottawa and New Delhi.
"We are making good progress in our trade negotiations with India. It is an exceptionally important relationship on many, many levels, people-to-people levels, security levels, and also trade and economic,” Carney said.
Why December could matter for the trade talks
The expected timing of Modi’s visit is significant because it could coincide with the G20 Summit, which US President Donald Trump is scheduled to host on December 14–15 at the Trump National Doral Miami resort in Doral, Florida.
Carney said he and Modi had committed at last year’s G20 to “look to conclude negotiations by the G20 this year”.
With the summit approaching, Carney indicated that the two countries are working toward that timeline.
“I believe that India just confirmed that the Prime Minister will be visiting Canada around that time. The precise date isn't out, but I very much look forward to hosting him".
The expected visit could therefore provide an opportunity for the two governments to discuss the next stage of their economic relationship while negotiations continue.
What India and Canada trade
The economic relationship extends beyond merchandise trade. According to the figures cited by PTI, bilateral trade in goods reached $8.6 billion in 2024.
India exported $4.2 billion worth of goods to Canada, while imports from Canada stood at $4.4 billion.
Services represent an even larger part of the relationship. Bilateral services trade totaled $14.3 billion in 2024, with India exporting $2.5 billion in services and importing $11.8 billion.
Together, goods and services trade amounted to $22.9 billion in 2024.
Modi’s last Canada visit
Modi last visited Canada in June 2025 to attend the G7 Summit, following an invitation from Carney.
Carney became Canada’s prime minister in March 2025 after Justin Trudeau left office. An economist and political newcomer, he has since led Ottawa’s engagement with India as the two countries work to advance their economic relationship.
For now, the exact date of Modi’s expected December visit has not been announced. The timing of the trip could become clearer as preparations for the G20 Summit and India-Canada trade negotiations continue.
