New Delhi/IBNS-CMEDIA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced that India and Canada will host a summit on renewable energy and storage later this year to deepen bilateral cooperation in the sector, as the two countries seek to rebuild and strengthen ties.
In a joint statement with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Modi welcomed Canada’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuel Alliance.
“To further strengthen our collaborative efforts, we will host the India-Canada Renewable Energy and Storage Summit later this year,” Modi said.
Highlighting the potential for deeper cooperation in technology and innovation, Modi added: “In technology and innovation, we are natural partners. With the Canada-India innovation partnership, we will turn ideas into global solutions.”
The Prime Minister also underscored the need for joint action against terrorism and extremism amid previously strained ties between the two countries.
“We agree that terrorism, extremism, and radicalisation are grave challenges faced not only by our two countries but by all of humanity. Close cooperation between us in combating these threats is essential for global peace and stability,” he said.
He reiterated India’s position on global conflicts, stating: “India’s stance on the various ongoing conflicts around the world remains clear: we have consistently advocated for the maintenance of peace and stability.”
The meeting between the two leaders at Hyderabad House focused on enhancing collaboration across key sectors, signalling efforts to rebuild momentum in India-Canada relations.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Carney, who is on his maiden visit to India since assuming office last year.
“Delighted to call on Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada in New Delhi this morning. Appreciate his commitment towards charting a forward-looking partnership,” Jaishankar wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Ottawa is once again exploring a formal free trade agreement with India as part of efforts to deepen economic engagement.
In an interview with CTV News, Champagne said the Canadian government is actively considering the deal and indicated renewed momentum in strengthening bilateral trade ties.
He added that Carney “wants to go much faster,” pointing to several trade agreements Canada has signed in recent months.
Describing the visit as part of broader efforts to rebuild relations after tensions escalated in 2023, Champagne termed it “historic” in an interview with CNBC-TV18, citing evolving global dynamics and growing strategic alignment between the two economies.
“We’ve been meeting business leaders and discussing fintech, critical minerals, energy and natural resources,” Champagne said. “Canada is seen as a stable, predictable G7 partner. I think this is a win-win moment.”
He noted that India, now the fourth-largest economy and the fastest-growing in the G20, is a key partner for Canada as it seeks to expand its global economic footprint.
Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India and Canada are preparing to formalise negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with discussions expected to advance during Carney’s visit.
