Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand begins India and UAE tour for strategic talks

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand commenced a four-day official visit to India and the United Arab Emirates on Monday to expand bilateral cooperation across trade, energy, and security. The itinerary runs from October 13 to October 16 and includes high-level diplomatic engagements in New Delhi before proceeding to the Gulf nation.

The diplomatic outreach holds considerable significance for New Delhi as both nations look to build upon bilateral trade figures that reached $30.4 billion in 2025, including $11 billion in merchandise goods. Sustained ministerial contact remains a priority for both governments as they navigate shifting economic and security conditions within the Indo-Pacific region.

During her stay in the capital, Anand is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The meeting marks the eleventh interaction between the two foreign ministers since September 2025, underlining the frequency of diplomatic exchanges. Talks will focus on advancing priorities outlined in the bilateral roadmap, encompassing energy partnerships, defense collaboration, and people-to-people connections.

Apart from her ministry-level talks, Anand will participate in the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi. She is slated to join a panel discussion examining the role of middle powers and the evolving global order. Global Affairs Canada stated that the minister intends to emphasize the value of multilateral and plurilateral cooperation while positioning Canada as a dependable partner in the region.

The current visit coincides with parallel commercial delegations from Ottawa, reflecting a broader push to deepen economic ties. Following her engagements in New Delhi, Anand will travel to the United Arab Emirates to meet Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Discussions in the UAE will target commercial partnerships, artificial intelligence, innovation, and regional security.

Both legs of the tour build upon strategic commitments established during high-level exchanges over the past year. Government officials from both sides are expected to use the ministerial meetings to evaluate progress on pending economic agreements and set the agenda for upcoming leadership-level summits slated for later in the year.