Why in News?
India and Canada held their annual Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi on 2 September 2026, marking another step towards normalising bilateral relations after a prolonged diplomatic strain.
Key Developments
- Foreign Office Consultations: Both sides reviewed cooperation in energy and critical minerals, science and technology, education, security and defence, culture, people-to-people ties and consular matters.
- Trade Target: Both countries aim to conclude negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026 and increase bilateral trade to CAD 70 billion by 2030.
- Investment: India has also expressed readiness to begin negotiations for a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with Canada.
- Security Cooperation: Security and defence cooperation was discussed, building on NSA-level engagement and the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, established in 1997.
- Critical Minerals & Energy: Both sides reviewed cooperation in critical minerals, uranium, clean energy and civil nuclear cooperation, aimed at strengthening resilient supply chains and energy security.
- Science & Technology: Cooperation in AI, science and technology, space, education and agriculture is also being strengthened.
