India and Canada Take Key Steps to Rebuild Bilateral Ties Ahead of Foreign Office Consultations:

New Delhi, September 20, 2025: In a significant move toward rebuilding diplomatic ties, India and Canada have agreed to restart formal bilateral dialogue across a wide range of sectors, including trade, defence, critical minerals, and technology. The decision was reached during pre-Foreign Office Consultations (pre-FOC) held on Friday, as announced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The Indian delegation was led by MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran, while the Canadian side was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison. This meeting comes just three months after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, in June 2025. The consultations mark a notable thaw in relations between the two democracies, following a period of diplomatic strain. According to the MEA, both sides have now agreed to initiate the necessary steps to reactivate dialogue mechanisms in diverse areas such as: Trade and investment Defence cooperation Energy and civil nuclear collaboration Security and law enforcement Critical minerals Space and science & technology Agriculture and food security In addition to sectoral cooperation, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to restoring stability and fostering a balanced, constructive partnership. The officials emphasized the shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity as the foundation of India–Canada relations. Another key area of focus was improving the functioning of diplomatic Missions and Consulates. Both countries agreed to address existing capacity-related issues and enhance consular services in order to support the growing people-to-people connections, which include a significant Indian diaspora in Canada, international students, and business communities. Importantly, the MEA highlighted the progress achieved since June 2025, including the return of High Commissioners to each other’s capitals — a clear signal of diplomatic normalization. On the sidelines of the pre-FOC, Canada’s Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison also met India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri for a separate discussion, further underlining both nations’ commitment to moving forward. This renewed engagement comes at a crucial time, as both countries are looking to strengthen strategic and economic ties in a rapidly evolving global landscape. With mutual interests in critical supply chains, innovation, climate action, and Indo-Pacific stability, experts believe that a reset in India–Canada relations could bring long-term benefits to both nations. As the two governments prepare for full Foreign Office Consultations in the coming months, Friday’s meeting sets a constructive tone and paves the way for deeper engagement and cooperation.

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