India and Canada convened their inaugural Defence Dialogue on 4 November 2026, exploring avenues to deepen cooperation in capacity building, military-technical exchanges, and defence industrial collaboration. The landmark session signals a significant reset in bilateral ties between the two countries after a period of diplomatic strain.

Who Led the Talks

Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) in India's Ministry of Defence, Amit Telang, and Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy) in Canada's Department of National Defence, Scott Millar, co-chaired the dialogue. Beyond defence specifics, the two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues, according to a statement from India's Ministry of Defence.

'Building on the momentum of high-level engagements, both sides explored avenues to strengthen defence cooperation in capacity building, military-technical exchanges and defence industrial collaboration, while exchanging views on regional and global issues,' the ministry stated.

Jaishankar-Anand Meeting at G20

The Defence Dialogue follows closely on a bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta last month. The two ministers discussed trade, critical minerals, defence, and energy, as well as the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Anand, posting on X, wrote: 'Just weeks after our discussions in New Delhi, I met again with S Jaishankar on the margins of the G20 in Atlanta. We exchanged perspectives on the evolving geopolitical landscape and discussed the work ahead to advance a comprehensive trade agreement and deepen cooperation on regional security.'

She added: 'The global economy is being reshaped, and Canada and India have an important role to play in what comes next. With renewed momentum in our relationship, we have an opportunity to expand trade, strengthen energy security and build greater economic resilience.'

Modi's Canada Visit and Trade Agreement

Global Affairs Canada confirmed that Anand 'welcomed progress towards concluding a comprehensive economic partnership agreement by the end of the year.' The statement also confirmed that 'Prime Minister Modi's visit to Canada in December will be another building block in the ambitious trajectory in the relationship between the two countries.'

Notably, this would mark a significant diplomatic milestone, with a formal prime ministerial visit forming the centrepiece of what both sides are describing as a renewed partnership.

Earlier Groundwork in July

This comes after India and Canada agreed in July to enhance defence cooperation, with discussions focusing on maritime collaboration, defence capacity-building, and training. Those talks were held between India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik, and Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty.

The Indian High Commission had noted that discussions covered 'strengthening maritime cooperation, advancing defence capacity-building and training, and deepening India–Canada defence ties to advance shared commitment of promoting peace, stability, and stronger bilateral engagement.'

What Comes Next

With the inaugural Defence Dialogue now concluded and a comprehensive trade agreement reportedly in its final stages, the trajectory of India-Canada ties appears to be on a sharp upswing. Prime Minister Modi's planned December visit to Canada is expected to consolidate these gains and potentially formalise several ongoing cooperation frameworks.