Ottawa/New Delhi – Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand will visit India on October 13–14, in what is being seen as an important step toward easing tensions and rebuilding dialogue between the two countries.
The announcement came shortly after Anand met India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting, described as “constructive,” focused on ways to improve bilateral engagement following months of strained ties.
During her visit, Anand is expected to hold detailed discussions with senior Indian leaders and officials, covering a wide range of issues including trade, security cooperation, people-to-people connections, and regional stability. Diplomats say the agenda will also likely touch on recent points of contention, as both sides look for ways to move beyond differences and re-establish a working partnership.
“Canada and India share deep historical ties and strong people-to-people connections. This visit is an opportunity to reaffirm those bonds and explore areas where cooperation can bring mutual benefit,” Anand said in a statement.
Relations between Ottawa and New Delhi have faced turbulence in recent years, with disputes over political rhetoric, diaspora activism, and security concerns. However, Anand’s visit signals a fresh attempt at diplomacy and confidence-building, coming at a time when both countries stand to gain from closer economic and strategic cooperation.
Analysts believe the visit could help set the tone for a broader reset, especially if it leads to concrete outcomes in trade talks and collaborative initiatives. For India, deeper engagement with Canada fits within its strategy of strengthening ties with Western democracies; for Canada, engaging India aligns with its Indo-Pacific strategy and growing emphasis on diversifying partnerships.
Anand is scheduled to meet senior Indian ministers and business leaders during her two-day trip, with both sides expected to release a joint statement at the conclusion of the visit.