Defence, Energy To Anchor India-Canada Reset During Carney Visit, Says High Commissioner Patnaik

Last Updated:February 24, 2026, 13:36 IST

India’s High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik described the upcoming trip as a pivotal moment in bilateral ties after a thaw that began on sidelines of the Kananaskis meeting

India and Canada are poised to formalise a significant diplomatic reset as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for his first official visit to India, a move seen as sealing months of behind-the-scenes engagement between the two countries.

Speaking to CNN-News18 ahead of the visit, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, described the upcoming trip as a pivotal moment in bilateral ties following a thaw that began on the sidelines of the Kananaskis meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Canadian leadership.

Patnaik said the reset was driven at the highest levels, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar playing a key role. Jaishankar and Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand have remained in regular contact, while International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu and India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal have also been engaged in sustained dialogue.

National Security Advisers from both countries have exchanged visits, including a recent trip by India’s NSA Ajit Doval to Canada. Patnaik described the meeting as “very good," adding that both sides agreed to deepen cooperation across key security areas.

Focus on Security and Law Enforcement

According to the High Commissioner, India and Canada have agreed to set a structured agenda to tackle pressing transnational concerns such as drugs and fentanyl trafficking, cybercrime, people smuggling, organised gangs, and violent extremism. Both countries are expected to post liaison officers in each other’s jurisdictions to strengthen real-time coordination.

The diplomatic engagement also comes in the backdrop of tensions surrounding the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. While Patnaik did not delve into specifics, he indicated that both sides are committed to cooperation on all security-related issues moving forward.

Expanding Defence Cooperation

Defence is emerging as a promising pillar of renewed engagement. Patnaik noted that Canada has advanced capabilities in aerospace and defence manufacturing, including companies such as Bombardier. Several Canadian firms are already collaborating with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

He highlighted Canada’s expertise in cold-weather technologies and long-range sniper systems, areas where India sees potential for collaboration, particularly in training personnel for operations in extreme low-temperature environments.

Energy and Critical Minerals in Spotlight

Energy security is expected to feature prominently during the visit. Calling Canada an “energy superpower", Patnaik pointed to its vast reserves of uranium and nuclear materials that are crucial for India’s expanding clean energy ambitions.

Canada’s leadership in renewable energy and its wealth of critical minerals also offer strategic opportunities for India, which is accelerating its energy transition and looking to secure supply chains amid global trade uncertainties.

Officials say the visit will culminate in a substantive joint statement that will formally outline the contours of the renewed partnership.

With diplomatic channels reactivated and cooperation expanding across defence, energy, and security, Carney’s India visit is being viewed as a decisive step in restoring momentum to a relationship that had faced significant strain in recent months.

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