Jaishankar and Anand meet in Niagara on G7 sidelines, reaffirming a renewed India–Canada partnership through the 2025 Roadmap focused on trade, energy, security, and shared values.
In a significant diplomatic engagement signalling renewed warmth between India and Canada, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in the Niagara Region on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The meeting—held in the scenic Canadian province of Ontario—marked their third bilateral interaction this year, underscoring a shared determination to reset ties and chart a new course for cooperation.
According to a statement by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Minister Anand “was pleased to welcome External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to Canada for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting,” describing their continued dialogue as a reflection of “momentum in the bilateral relationship.”
During their talks, Anand extended heartfelt condolences to Jaishankar for the victims of the recent blast in Delhi, expressing that “Canada stands with the people of India during this tragic time.” Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the safety and well-being of their citizens while addressing key areas of bilateral concern.
The ministers reviewed progress on the Canada–India Joint Roadmap 2025, a strategic plan aimed at deepening cooperation in priority sectors such as energy, trade, education, technology, and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed ongoing law enforcement dialogues between their respective authorities, signalling an effort to strengthen trust and transparency in sensitive areas of engagement.
Anand, in the official readout, emphasised India’s growing global role and Canada’s recognition of that reality. “As the world’s fourth-largest economy and a partner with whom Canada shares more than 75 years of diplomatic relations, India is an important and valued partner,” she said. She also highlighted India’s participation in G7 discussions as a sign of its expanding influence in shaping the global agenda.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar took to social media platform X to express satisfaction with the discussions and gratitude for Canada’s hospitality. “Delighted to meet with FM Anita Anand of Canada today. Congratulated her on hosting the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Appreciated the progress in the implementation of the New Roadmap 2025. Look forward to the further rebuilding of our bilateral partnership,” he wrote.
The meeting comes at a time when both nations have been navigating complex diplomatic waters. Relations between India and Canada have faced challenges in recent years, including tensions surrounding diaspora politics and security concerns. However, recent exchanges between Jaishankar and Anand—both in India and now in Canada—indicate a mutual willingness to move forward based on “respect for shared democratic values, rule of law, and sovereignty,” as earlier noted by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Jaishankar’s visit to Canada, from November 11 to 13, formed part of a broader series of diplomatic engagements. On the sidelines of the G7, he also met with counterparts from South Africa, Mexico, France, Germany, and Brazil, in addition to the Premier of Saskatchewan, Scott Moe.
In his meeting with Premier Moe, Jaishankar discussed expanding cooperation in energy, food security, and fertilisers, key areas of mutual benefit given Saskatchewan’s strengths in agriculture and resources. “Good to meet again with the Premier of Saskatchewan Province, Scott Moe. Discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation in energy, food and fertiliser. Value his warm sentiments towards our relationship,” Jaishankar posted online.
With South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola and Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente, Jaishankar explored avenues for expanding trade, healthcare collaboration, pharmaceuticals, and scientific research partnerships.
Further, his discussions with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul centred on advancing the India-Germany strategic partnership and deepening India–EU ties, while talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira focused on strengthening cooperation in technology, investment, and innovation.
India’s presence at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting—attended by member nations Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union, along with outreach partners including India, Australia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, South Africa, Mexico, and Ukraine—highlighted New Delhi’s growing role as a bridge between the Global North and South.
The gathering, hosted by Canada, aimed to foster dialogue on pressing global issues, from geopolitical tensions to economic resilience and climate action. For India, participation reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to solutions for shared global challenges while amplifying the voice of the developing world.
As both nations work to reinvigorate their relationship through the New Roadmap 2025, the Jaishankar–Anand meeting in Niagara stands as an encouraging step towards rebuilding trust and harnessing the full potential of a 75-year-old partnership rooted in democratic values and shared aspirations for a more cooperative future.
