NEW DELHI, November 6: India and Canada held their first Defence Dialogue on November 3, a virtual meeting in which the two sides identified defence industrial cooperation, military-technical cooperation and defence research and development as priority areas, the Ministry of Defence said. The dialogue follows the joint statement issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on March 2, 2026.
Key highlights
- Format: inaugural India–Canada Defence Dialogue, held virtually on November 3, 2026.
- Co-chairs: Dr Amit Telang, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence, and Scott Millar, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), Department of National Defence, Canada.
- Priorities: defence industrial cooperation, military-technical cooperation and defence R&D.
- Agenda: defence policies, strategic outlooks, regional and global issues, and specific deliverables.
- Next: both sides agreed to stay in touch to take the proposals forward.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Meeting | First India–Canada Defence Dialogue |
| Date and format | November 3, 2026, virtual |
| Indian co-chair | Dr Amit Telang, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), MoD |
| Canadian co-chair | Scott Millar, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), DND |
| Political basis | Modi–Carney Joint Statement, March 2, 2026 |
Background
Relations between India and Canada went through a deep chill in 2023–24, when both countries expelled senior diplomats. Ties began to recover after Mark Carney became Canada’s prime minister in 2025, with the two sides restoring high commissioners and resuming talks. A dedicated defence dialogue is a new step in that recovery.
What it means
Setting up a regular defence channel signals that both governments want to move beyond repairing ties to building practical cooperation. Defence industry links could open opportunities for Indian and Canadian firms in areas such as aerospace, electronics and research, though concrete projects will take time.
What to watch
- An in-person round of the dialogue and any agreements on defence industry cooperation.
- Other ministerial visits under the March 2026 joint statement.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, South Block and North Block illuminated on Raisina Hill, New Delhi (file photo). South Block houses the Ministry of Defence. Image: Ministry of Defence, GODL-India, via Wikimedia Commons. Photo source · Licence
Sources
The International Desk covers world and Asian affairs, diplomacy and conflict, with a focus on what they mean for India. Stories are checked against at least two credible sources before publication.
