Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit India in the first week of March, a trip expected to result in the signing of several high-value deals in the energy, mining and technology sectors. Among the most important outcomes under discussion is a proposed 10-year uranium supply agreement, estimated at C$2.8 billion, that would further strengthen the framework for nuclear cooperation between Canada and India, according to a Reuters report published Monday.
Carney’s visit is also expected to feature discussions on critical minerals, crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and advanced technology areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The scale of the program demonstrates a renewed effort by both governments to deepen their strategic and economic engagement amid shifting global alliances, supply chain disruptions and growing trade uncertainties.
Key chords
India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, confirmed that preparations for the visit are underway and indicated that early March would likely be the ideal time. Speaking in a recent interview, he said both sides were moving quickly to finalize key agreements. The fact that Canadian Energy Minister Tim Hodgson is visiting India at the same time further underlines the urgency and momentum behind the bilateral engagement. Patnaik added that, alongside the proposed uranium pact, a number of smaller agreements covering nuclear energy, oil and gas, environment, education and cultural cooperation are expected to be concluded during Carney’s stay.
Although the uranium deal has not yet been officially announced, Hodgson emphasized Canada’s willingness to provide nuclear fuel to India within existing international safeguards. “We know that India is a major nuclear country and has big plans to increase its civilian use of nuclear energy,” he said, reiterating that all uranium exports would comply with International Energy Agency safeguards, consistent with Canada’s non-proliferation commitments.
Critical minerals, crude oil
Beyond nuclear cooperation, the two sides are working to conclude agreements on essential minerals as well as the supply of crude oil and LNG. Hodgson outlined the strategic rationale for closer engagement with India, noting that Canada wants to build partnerships with large, fast-growing economies. India, for its part, is a rapidly growing consumer of essential minerals – an area in which Canada has substantial reserves and production capacity. Energy security and the resilience of supply chains should feature prominently in bilateral discussions.
Trade relations are also expected to be strengthened, with formal negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) expected to begin in March. Patnaik expressed confidence that a CEPA could be concluded within a year of the start of negotiations, potentially opening up new trade and investment opportunities. The new push comes as both countries respond to global trade tensions and recent tariff measures taken by major economies, prompting a search for more reliable and diverse partnerships.
Canada-India relations
Carney’s visit is widely seen as part of a broader reset of Canada-India relations following diplomatic tensions in recent years. Patnaik said several Indian ministers are expected to visit Canada in the coming months, while India’s national security adviser is expected to visit Ottawa next month to continue the high-level dialogue on security and intelligence. Both sides have expressed willingness to resolve sensitive issues through established diplomatic channels.
The urgency behind these commitments is determined by a rapidly changing global environment. Patnaik, referring to remarks made by Carney at the Davos summit, observed that the traditional rules-based international order is under strain, creating greater uncertainty for economies around the world. In this context, Canada and India are eager to promote agreements that strengthen mutual economic security and long-term stability.
As India simultaneously pursues trade deals with partners such as the European Union, the upcoming visit underscores a broader strategy of diversifying economic relations. As we approach the start of March, the focus is firmly on achieving concrete results, particularly in the areas of uranium, energy and critical minerals, which could mark a new phase in Canada-India relations.
