PM Modi–Mark Carney Summit Today: Will India-Canada Ties Get Back on Track?

New Delhi: Today, the summit meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in New Delhi on March 2, 2026 is being seen as a big and concrete turning point in the relations between the two countries. The bitterness and distance that has been there for the last few years now seems to be reducing rapidly. Since assuming power in March 2025, Carney has been continuously trying to improve relations. His visit to India from 27th February to 2nd March is being considered as the strongest indication in this direction.

Are old grudges coming to an end now?

This is what the signs indicate. In the year 2023, the then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made serious allegations against India regarding the murder of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India had termed these allegations as baseless and a political conspiracy. At that time diplomatic relations between the two countries had cooled down and even the High Commissioner was recalled.
But after Carney came to power, the situation started changing. Prime Minister Modi received an invitation for the G7 summit in 2025, the High Commissioner returned and now this meeting is a sign that both the countries want to leave old issues behind and move forward. There is talk from both sides of bringing relations back on track.

What issues will be in focus in today's meeting?

The main focus of the meeting will be on giving new momentum to the old dialogues. Institutional dialogue will be resumed in areas such as energy, science and technology, nuclear cooperation, trade, artificial intelligence, defense and critical minerals.

Both the leaders can set a target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030. Sensitive issues like terrorism and security will also be discussed, but without repeating old allegations and counter-allegations. There is a clear indication from Canada that there will be more focus on economic benefits and efforts will be made to finalize the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of this year.

Can there be any big agreement in energy and oil-gas?

This area is considered to be the most important. Canada has the world's largest crude oil and gas reserves and is looking for new markets amid ongoing trade tensions with the US. At the same time, India's energy needs are continuously increasing.

Talks between the two countries started again during the India Energy Week held in Goa in January 2026. The 2016-18 energy dialogue will now be reactivated. During this visit of Carney, the possibility of major agreements regarding oil, gas and energy partnership is being expressed.

How much progress is possible in nuclear cooperation?

A 2010 nuclear cooperation agreement between the two countries already exists and is in force since 2013. A uranium supply agreement was also signed during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Canada in 2015.

Negotiations have now moved towards finalizing a new 10-year long-term contract. This will strengthen India's nuclear energy security and provide Canada with a stable and reliable market.

What possibilities are opening up in new areas?

There is talk of new beginnings in areas like technology, AI, critical minerals, space, defense and talent exchange. Canada is emphasizing on building strong relations with 'middle power' countries so that dependence on America is reduced.

Both countries are planning to move forward with phased targets, so that the situation of stagnation after 2023 can be completely eliminated.

Is this just a formal meeting or a real change?

Indications are that this is not just a courtesy call. This could be the beginning of a new chapter in India-Canada relations, where trade, energy and strategic cooperation will be prioritized beyond old disputes. If today's talks translate into concrete decisions, then we may see a strong and lasting partnership between the two countries in the coming years.