Dates for PM Modi's Canada visit under discussion, says MEA

The dates for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to Canada are currently under discussion between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday, amid indications that the visit could take place in December as New Delhi and Ottawa seek to strengthen bilateral relations.

Responding to questions during his bi-weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said discussions were continuing over the schedule of the Prime Minister's forthcoming visit. He was asked to confirm reports suggesting that Modi could travel to Canada in December.

The dates are "currently under discussion" between the two sides, Jaiswal said, without confirming a specific timeline.

The proposed visit comes against the backdrop of renewed diplomatic engagement between India and Canada, with both governments seeking to build on recent progress in bilateral relations and expand cooperation across several strategic sectors.

𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗶, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀

The MEA's remarks came three days after Modi held a telephone conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on October 13.

Describing the interaction as "warm and productive", Modi said the two leaders had agreed to build on the positive momentum in India-Canada relations and work towards concrete outcomes across key areas of their strategic partnership.

"Had a warm and productive conversation with Prime Minister Mark Carney. We agreed to build on the positive momentum in India-Canada ties and work towards concrete outcomes across key areas of our Strategic Partnership, including trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people ties," Modi said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the broader international significance of cooperation between the two countries.

"Together, India and Canada are contributing towards a more stable and prosperous world," he said.

The conversation reflected the renewed emphasis on strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing discussions on economic and strategic issues.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀

A statement issued by Carney's office following the conversation said both leaders had reaffirmed their commitment to concluding negotiations on the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the earliest opportunity.

The agreement is expected to play a central role in efforts to expand economic engagement between India and Canada.

According to the Canadian statement, the two countries are working towards doubling bilateral trade by 2030.

The proposed CEPA is intended to strengthen commercial relations and provide a framework for expanding trade and investment between the two economies.

Both sides have identified trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people exchanges as priority areas for cooperation.

The renewed emphasis on concluding the agreement indicates that economic engagement remains a major component of the bilateral relationship.

𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗘𝗣𝗔 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿

The latest diplomatic exchanges come as India and Canada continue negotiations on the proposed trade agreement.

Chief negotiators from the two countries concluded the fifth round of CEPA negotiations in Canada on October 9.

The next round is scheduled to take place in India in early November, with both governments working towards advancing the agreement.

The negotiations form part of broader efforts to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen commercial ties between the two countries.

A successful agreement could provide greater opportunities for businesses and investors while supporting the target of expanding bilateral trade by the end of the decade.

𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱

Although reports have suggested that Modi could visit Canada in December, the government has not officially confirmed the dates.

The MEA's statement indicates that consultations remain underway, with the final schedule expected to be announced after both sides complete their discussions.

The proposed visit would provide an opportunity for the two leaders to review progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to translate their commitments into concrete outcomes.

For now, the focus remains on maintaining diplomatic momentum, advancing CEPA negotiations and strengthening cooperation across the strategic partnership.

The latest exchanges signal a shared willingness to expand engagement, although the timing and detailed agenda of Modi's proposed visit remain to be finalised.