Trade – Mark Carney Begins Strategic Indo-Pacific Visit
Trade – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will depart for Mumbai at 10 a.m. local time on Thursday, marking the start of a multi-nation visit aimed at strengthening Canada’s economic and security partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. The trip, scheduled from February 26 to March 7, includes stops in India, Australia and Japan, according to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Focus on Expanding Canada-India Relations
Carney’s first engagements will take place in Mumbai before he travels to New Delhi for high-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions are expected to center on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, technology, artificial intelligence, talent exchange, culture and defence.
Officials say the visit reflects Ottawa’s intent to deepen commercial and strategic ties with India, now considered one of Canada’s key Indo-Pacific partners. Business leaders from both countries are set to meet with Carney during the visit to explore new investment channels and encourage partnerships that could boost cross-border commerce.
This marks Carney’s first official visit to India since taking office after succeeding Justin Trudeau. His government has emphasized building a more resilient domestic economy while diversifying trade relationships abroad.
Trade Figures and Economic Goals
India has steadily grown in importance for Canada’s global trade portfolio. In 2024, it ranked as Canada’s seventh-largest trading partner in goods and services. Two-way trade between the two nations reached nearly USD 31 billion, according to government data.
Momentum for stronger economic cooperation increased during the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit, where New Delhi and Ottawa agreed to formally launch negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The proposed CEPA aims to more than double bilateral trade to USD 70 billion by 2030.
Canadian officials describe the negotiations as a critical step toward providing long-term stability and expanding opportunities for businesses in sectors such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing and digital services.
Australia Visit to Strengthen Security and Investment
After concluding his engagements in India, Carney will travel to Sydney and Canberra. In Australia, he will meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to advance collaboration in defence, maritime security, critical minerals, trade and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.
During his visit, Carney is scheduled to address both Houses of Australia’s Parliament along with invited dignitaries. The address will mark the first time in nearly two decades that a Canadian prime minister has delivered such a speech.
Meetings with Australian investors and corporate leaders are also on the agenda, as Canada seeks to attract fresh capital and deepen two-way investment flows.
Tokyo Talks on Clean Energy and Regional Security
The final leg of the tour will take Carney to Tokyo, where he is expected to meet Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae. Discussions are set to focus on expanding joint efforts in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals and food security.
Security cooperation will also feature prominently. Both sides are expected to reaffirm their commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, while strengthening defence collaboration in response to evolving regional challenges.
Japan remains a significant economic partner for Canada, particularly in energy and advanced industrial supply chains.
A Broader Indo-Pacific Strategy
Carney’s office has framed the three-country tour as part of a broader strategy to reinforce Canada’s economic independence in a period of global uncertainty. Officials say the government is prioritizing domestic strength while building diversified trade networks abroad.
Canada’s resource base, including abundant energy reserves and critical minerals, is viewed as central to attracting international investment. By forging closer ties with major Indo-Pacific economies, Ottawa aims to create stable conditions for Canadian workers and businesses.
The prime minister has underscored that expanding international partnerships is essential for long-term prosperity and national security. Through meetings with political leaders and industry executives, the government hopes to unlock new opportunities and strengthen Canada’s presence in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.