Modi, Canadian counterpart Carney review energy cooperation, global food security at G7

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney convened on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, to assess the progress of bilateral economic cooperation. The leaders underscored the critical need for robust and dependable global energy and food supply chains.

According to a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the meeting on Tuesday saw the two leaders acknowledge the positive momentum in India-Canada relations. They expressed satisfaction with the advancements made since Prime Minister Carney's visit to India in March.

Reaffirming their commitment to a strategic partnership, Modi and Carney highlighted the economic complementarities between India and Canada. They stressed the significance of resilient supply chains in maintaining global energy and food security.

The discussions also covered commercial arrangements related to liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and metallurgical coal. Both sides noted the ongoing institutional engagement, including recent meetings of the Joint Science and Technology Committee and the Consular Dialogue. They anticipate upcoming dialogues in defense, finance, and migration.

A notable development was the agreement to initiate negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA), strengthening security cooperation. The leaders also welcomed recent exchanges between defense institutions. Furthermore, they acknowledged collaboration under the Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy, aimed at enhancing skill development and innovation partnerships. Prime Minister Modi conveyed India's support for Canada's bid to become a Dialogue Partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The leaders also announced the establishment of Raisina Americas, a new platform to deepen dialogue and exchanges.