India important partner for Canada: Anand after meeting Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand in Niagara on Wednesday on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, where the two leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, security and people-to-people ties.

Dr Anand offered her deepest condolences to Jaishankar over the victims of the explosion in New Delhi that killed several people on Tuesday, reiterating that Canada stands with the people of India in this tragic time.

“Delighted to meet FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada today. Congratulated her on hosting the #G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting. Appreciated the progress in implementation of the New Roadmap 2025. Look forward to the further rebuilding of our bilateral partnership,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Anand underlined the importance of sustained collaboration between the two countries across multiple domains. The meeting marked their third engagement this year, reflecting renewed momentum in bilateral ties following a period of strain.

According to a Canadian readout, the ministers exchanged views on the ongoing law-enforcement dialogue between Indian and Canadian authorities and reviewed progress on the Canada-India Roadmap 2025, which seeks to enhance cooperation in energy, trade and mobility.

Anand also acknowledged India’s role as a key global player, noting that as the world’s fourth-largest economy and with over 75 years of diplomatic relations, India remains an important partner for Canada.

Officials said Jaishankar’s participation in the G7 deliberations underscores India’s continued engagement with major global powers and its commitment to voicing the concerns of the Global South on issues of international importance.

The meeting brought together leaders from major developed economies and partner nations to discuss global challenges, including regional conflicts, energy security, climate action and economic resilience.

“EAM’s participation reflects India’s continued commitment to working with international partners in addressing global challenges and bolstering the voice of the Global South in international fora,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

Though not a G7 member, India was invited as a partner country representative to participate in discussions on the Indo-Pacific, the Ukraine conflict, supply-chain resilience and sustainable economic growth.

New Delhi, officials said, continues to seek deeper engagement with G7 nations on building resilient supply chains, advancing digital transformation and promoting equitable energy transitions — an approach that reflects India’s growing diplomatic and economic influence on the world stage.