Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand will embark on a high-stakes diplomatic tour covering India, Singapore, and China from October 12 to 17 (Canadian time). The visit, announced by the Canadian government on Saturday, aims to advance cooperation, rebuild trust, and strengthen bilateral relations under Canada’s evolving Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Strengthening the India-Canada Partnership

Anand’s first stop will be India, beginning on October 13 (Indian time), where she is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal. Discussions are expected to focus on establishing a strategic framework for cooperation in critical areas, including trade diversification, energy transformation, and security collaboration.

The visit comes at a pivotal time as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration works to repair strained relations with New Delhi. Tensions between the two nations had escalated in recent years, but recent diplomatic engagements have signaled a shift toward reconciliation and renewed engagement.

Rebuilding Diplomatic Confidence

Anand’s India visit follows a significant bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in June during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. The meeting, described by officials as “very positive and constructive,” was widely seen as a turning point in bilateral relations.

“Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Carney concluded a very positive and constructive meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit,” said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, emphasizing the shared commitment to restore stability and trust.

The momentum has continued through a series of high-level exchanges. Both countries recently appointed new envoys — Christopher Cooter as Canada’s High Commissioner to India and Dinesh K. Patnaik as India’s High Commissioner to Canada — to reset diplomatic engagement.

Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation

Further strengthening this trajectory, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met his Canadian counterpart Nathalie G. Drouin last month to discuss counterterrorism, transnational organized crime, and intelligence-sharing. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides acknowledged “clear momentum for rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation at the highest levels.”

The two national security advisers agreed to adopt a collaborative approach and work closely to forge a new chapter in bilateral relations, a theme expected to feature prominently during Anand’s visit.

Economic and Investment Focus in Mumbai

Anand will also travel to Mumbai, where she will engage with Canadian and Indian business leaders. The focus will be on investment, innovation, and job creation, as both countries explore new avenues for economic growth and sustainable development.

The engagements are part of Ottawa’s broader objective to diversify trade relations and strengthen economic links across Asia, reducing overdependence on traditional Western markets.

Next Stop: Singapore – Deepening ASEAN Engagement

Following her India visit, Anand will head to Singapore for discussions with Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. Her agenda includes strengthening economic ties, promoting regional security cooperation, and advancing progress on the Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

As Canada and Singapore celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, Anand is expected to highlight the shared achievements and push for FTA negotiations to conclude by 2026. Singapore, one of Canada’s most significant partners in Southeast Asia, plays a vital role in regional stability and trade integration.

Final Leg: Rekindling Dialogue with China

In the final leg of her tour, Anand will visit China, where she is set to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the Canada-China Strategic Partnership. This year marks 55 years since diplomatic relations were established between the two nations, making the visit both symbolic and strategic.

According to the official statement, Anand’s meetings will build upon the commitment made by Prime Minister Carney and Chinese Premier Li Qiang to regularise communication channels between Ottawa and Beijing. Talks are expected to cover the evolving bilateral and global context, including issues affecting economic stability, trade security, and multilateral cooperation.

Canada’s Renewed Indo-Pacific Strategy

Anand’s multi-country tour underscores Canada’s renewed commitment to its Indo-Pacific Strategy, launched to enhance regional engagement, promote democratic values, and strengthen economic resilience in a region that now drives over half of global GDP.

The strategy places particular emphasis on diversifying partnerships beyond traditional allies, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and addressing regional security challenges through sustained diplomatic engagement.

Analysts view Anand’s tour as a critical step in repositioning Canada within the Indo-Pacific region, particularly after a period of diplomatic turbulence. With global power dynamics shifting, Ottawa’s outreach to India, Singapore, and China is seen as a balanced effort to engage key Asian economies while reinforcing its strategic independence.