Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December, adding a new high-level meeting to the two countries’ effort to rebuild their diplomatic and economic relationship.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office confirmed the planned visit after the leaders spoke Tuesday, Reuters reported. No exact date, Canadian location or detailed itinerary was announced.

Trade agreement remains a negotiating goal

Carney and Modi also reiterated their commitment to conclude negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement at the earliest opportunity. The statement signals continued political support for a deal but does not mean the negotiations are complete or that final terms have been reached.

Canada and India held another negotiating round in Ottawa from October 5 to 9. The governments have identified goods, services, investment, agriculture and agri-food, digital trade, mobility and sustainable development among the areas under discussion.

A December visit could give the two leaders an opportunity to review that work, but neither government has said an agreement will be signed during the trip.

Invitation followed Carney’s visit to India

Carney visited India from February 27 to March 2. During that trip, the leaders announced cooperation initiatives spanning energy and critical minerals, technology and artificial intelligence, talent and culture, and defence.

Carney invited Modi to visit Canada at the conclusion of the March meetings. A June 16 readout said the governments were working through diplomatic channels to identify a mutually convenient date.

Tuesday’s announcement narrows the timing to December while leaving the formal schedule open. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact before the visit.

What comes next

The practical significance of the visit will depend on its final agenda and any agreements or joint statements released by the governments. Until those details are published, the confirmed development is the planned December visit and the leaders’ renewed support for continuing the trade negotiations.

Sources: Reuters, October 13 at 11:22 a.m. EDT; Prime Minister of Canada readout, June 16; Prime Minister of Canada partnership announcement, March 2; Wikimedia Commons image page.

Lead image: Flag of India via Wikimedia Commons, public domain. Illustrative image; not a photograph of Tuesday’s call or the planned December visit.