Full Breakdown
Narendra Modi’s December 2026 Visit to Canada: Trade Deal Push Amid Repaired Ties
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Scheduled Two-Day Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Toronto and Ottawa on December 11-12, 2026. The Indian High Commission confirmed the dates, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the schedule in Calgary. The visit is framed as an opportunity to secure outcomes in trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people exchanges.
Background & Context – From Diplomatic Rift to Trade Reset
Relations soured in 2023 after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged links between Indian agents and the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India rejected the claim. The dispute led to the expulsion of six diplomats on each side.
Since Mark Carney became prime minister in March 2025, the tone has shifted toward reconciliation. Carney’s June 2025 invitation to Modi for the G7 summit in Kananaskis marked the first high-level engagement after the row, and subsequent visits have focused on rebuilding economic and security cooperation.
Timeline – Key Milestones
- March 2, 2025 – India and Canada launched negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
- October 9, 2026 – Chief negotiators concluded the fifth round of CEPA talks in Canada.
- October 13, 2026 – Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met Canadian counterpart Maninder Sidhu.
- December 11-12, 2026 – Modi’s two-day visit.
- December 14-15, 2026 – G20 summit in Miami, where leaders hope to showcase CEPA progress.
- December 16-17, 2026 – Modi to travel to Brussels for the India-EU free-trade agreement signing.
Data & Statistics – Trade Landscape
- Canada’s exports of vegetables, mineral fuels, oils and wood pulp to India total $3.9 billion, while Indian imports of precious stones, metals, machinery and pharmaceuticals amount to $9.7 billion.
- Bilateral merchandise trade fell 8.23 % to $7.95 billion in FY 2025-26, down from $8.7 billion in FY 2024-25.
- Both governments aim to double two-way trade to $70 billion by 2030 (News18, Hindustan Times).
Official Statements & Responses
- In a telephone conversation, Modi described the exchange as “warm and productive” and emphasized the partnership’s role in a “more stable and prosperous world”.
- Carney’s office reaffirmed a commitment to conclude CEPA “at the earliest opportunity”, linking it to the 2030 trade goal.
- Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand called India a “valuable partner” amid geopolitical uncertainty, noting progress on trade, energy and security during her New Delhi visit with Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
- RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme said current investigations show no link between foreign entities and transnational repression cases in Canada.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’ll see if we can broaden it out.” — Ottawa
- “We are making good progress in our trade negotiations with India,” — Mark Carney, Canadian prime minister
- “Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi will visit Canada on 11-12 December 2026.” — the High Commission
What’s Next – Upcoming Negotiations and Summits
- Canadian and Indian officials will review outstanding CEPA issues in November before the “legal scrubbing” phase.
- Both sides aim to finalize the agreement by the end of 2026, aligning with the G20 agenda.
- After the Canada visit, Modi is scheduled to attend the EU-India free-trade signing in Brussels on December 16-17.
The December visit therefore represents the culminating point of a year-long diplomatic reset, with trade negotiations and security cooperation positioned as the primary outcomes.