Highlights

• India and Canada reaffirmed their commitment to a strategic partnership.
• Both countries aim to conclude CEPA negotiations during 2026.
• Leaders discussed energy, trade, defence and talent cooperation initiatives.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on June 16, 2026. The two leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral relations and discussed areas of cooperation spanning trade, energy, defence, innovation and people-to-people ties.

The meeting comes amid efforts by both countries to strengthen engagement across multiple sectors and build a forward-looking strategic partnership.

Source: Analysis by Kalkine 

Focus on Economic and Trade Cooperation

During the discussions, the two leaders noted the complementarities between the Indian and Canadian economies and emphasized the importance of resilient and reliable supply chains for global energy and food security.

The leaders reviewed progress in bilateral economic cooperation, including commercial arrangements involving liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and metallurgical coal.

They also welcomed recent high-level engagements, including the visit of India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to Canada, and looked ahead to a Canadian trade mission scheduled to visit India later in 2026 under the leadership of Canada's Minister of International Trade.

CEPA Negotiations Continue

A key area of discussion was the ongoing negotiation of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Canada.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far and reiterated their shared objective of concluding the negotiations during 2026. The agreement is expected to remain a major focus area in bilateral economic discussions going forward.

Defence and Security Cooperation Expands

The two Prime Ministers also discussed ways to deepen defence and security cooperation between the countries. As part of these efforts, India and Canada agreed to launch negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA).

The leaders also welcomed recent exchanges between defence institutions, including the visit of India's National Defence College to Canada. The forthcoming institutional dialogues in defence, finance and migration were also highlighted as part of the expanding engagement framework.

Innovation, Talent and Education on the Agenda

The leaders reviewed ongoing collaboration under the Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy. Discussions covered initiatives related to skill development, innovation partnerships and educational cooperation between institutions in both countries.

The meeting also highlighted recent engagements between government institutions, including meetings of the Joint Science and Technology Committee and the Consular Dialogue.

New Platforms and Regional Cooperation

Prime Minister Modi expressed support for Canada becoming a Dialogue Partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), reflecting broader regional cooperation between the two countries. The leaders also announced the establishment of Raisina Americas, a platform aimed at strengthening dialogue, exchanges and cooperation across multiple sectors.

In addition, Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Carney for his invitation to visit Canada in 2026. Both sides agreed to continue discussions through diplomatic channels to finalize mutually convenient dates for the visit.

Key Areas to Watch

• Progress toward concluding CEPA negotiations in 2026.
• Developments in LNG, LPG and coal-related commercial arrangements.
• Negotiations on the General Security of Information Agreement.
• Outcomes from upcoming trade, defence and migration dialogues.

Summary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney used their meeting at the G7 Summit in France to review progress in India-Canada relations and identify areas for deeper cooperation. Discussions covered trade, energy, supply chains, defence, innovation and education. Both countries reiterated their intention to conclude CEPA negotiations in 2026, launch talks on a security information agreement and expand institutional engagement through new dialogue platforms and bilateral initiatives.

FAQs

Q: Where did Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Carney meet?
A: The two leaders met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France.

Q: What trade agreement are India and Canada negotiating?
A: Both countries are negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA.

Q: What new defence-related initiative was announced?
A: India and Canada agreed to begin negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement.