PM Carney discusses bilateral ties, free trade with Indian PM Modi on phone call

Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday spoke by phone with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral relations and addressing several key issues of mutual interest.

In a statement office of Prime Minister said that the prime ministers welcomed the increased engagement between Canada and India over the past year across various sectors, including finance, defense and security, people-to-people ties, and artificial intelligence. They emphasized the importance of carrying this new momentum forward.

"The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to concluding negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement at the earliest opportunity, supporting ongoing efforts to double two-way trade by 2030. They welcomed the historic Team Canada Trade Mission currently underway in India, led by Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, and noted Foreign Minister Anita Anand's visit to New Delhi this week," it added.

The leaders discussed geopolitical instability in the Indo-Pacific region and the need for trusted partners in energy and agriculture. Prime Minister Mark Carney thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in seeking a peaceful resolution to Russia's war in Ukraine.

Both leaders welcomed last week's security dialogue held in India at the National Security Advisor (NSA) level and agreed to remain in close contact ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Canada in December.