Modi to visit Canada on December 11–12 as trade talks advance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Canada on December 11 and 12, 2026, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa has announced. The visit follows a telephone conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday about expanding cooperation between the two countries.

The leaders discussed trade, energy, technology, security and ties between their people. Modi described their conversation as productive and emphasised the importance of taking the strategic partnership forward.

Canada’s Prime Minister’s Office said both leaders wanted negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement concluded as soon as possible. The proposed agreement forms part of efforts to double trade between the two countries by 2030.

The announcement comes during a period of increased ministerial engagement. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu have visited New Delhi to advance negotiations on the trade pact, which both governments hope to finalise before the year ends.

Carney, speaking to members of the Indian community at a restaurant in Calgary, indicated that much of Modi’s visit would be spent in Toronto. His remarks suggest the programme will extend beyond government meetings in Ottawa, although the High Commission’s announcement focused on the dates and areas of cooperation.

The Canadian statement also highlighted engagement over the past year in finance, defence and security, alongside artificial intelligence. These areas featured in the leaders’ discussion on sustaining the improvement in relations.

In September, Canadian High Commissioner Christopher Cooter had said the two countries were working towards completing a trade agreement by the end of the year. The December visit is expected to bring their increased engagement into focus as negotiations continue.