In a move to rejuvenate bilateral ties, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and spouse Diana Fox Carney arrived in Mumbai today, launching his first official visit to India as PM. The four-day sojourn promises intensive talks on multifaceted cooperation, culminating in a high-stakes summit with PM Narendra Modi.
Maharashtra officials, led by Minister Jay Kumar Raval, rolled out the red carpet at the airport. The MEA’s social media update celebrated the arrival as a milestone for deepening India-Canada bonds, built on democratic foundations, robust human connections, and burgeoning sector-specific partnerships.
Day one features Mumbai engagements on February 28. Carney proceeds to the capital on March 1 for back-to-back meetings: first with EAM S. Jaishankar at 9 AM in Leela Palace, then Modi at 10:30 AM in Hyderabad House. The schedule includes MoU signings by 11:40 AM, press briefings, and co-launching the CEO Forum at 1:50 PM in Bharat Mandapam. Evening sees his return flight at 6 PM.
Spotlight areas include trade-investment flows, energy security, critical minerals, agri-tech, academic exchanges, R&D, innovation hubs, and diaspora links. Leaders will exchange views on regional stability and global issues, reinforcing a balanced partnership attuned to each other’s concerns.
This outreach aligns with Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, prioritizing controllable factors like diversified trade, workforce opportunities, and homegrown security through foreign alliances. India’s rapid economic ascent positions it as a commerce and tech powerhouse; 2024 trade volumes reached $30.8 billion, cementing its top-tier status.
Carney’s PMO emphasized new ventures in AI, defense, and culture, alongside business meets to scout Canadian investment prospects. The visit signals renewed momentum, crafting a visionary collaboration for mutual prosperity.