Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik, met on November 24 at the provincial legislature to discuss enhancing cooperation in energy, agriculture, and technology, amid ongoing economic challenges and public concerns.
The discussions highlighted Alberta’s ambitions to expand its presence in India, one of the fastest-growing global markets.
In a post on X, Premier Smith described the meeting as a “pleasure” and noted that they explored ways to elevate the partnership further. She emphasised Alberta’s ability to provide “safe, reliable energy” and “high-quality agricultural products,” reflecting India’s growing need for energy, food security, and diversified supply chains.
Smith also acknowledged the strong Indo-Canadian community in Alberta, which numbers over 100,000 residents of Indian origin. She highlighted their role as cultural and business connectors and pointed to existing Indian investments in sectors such as petrochemicals and real estate, while stressing the “significant potential” for further collaboration.
Patnaik’s visit coincided with a period of improving Canada-India relations. In a recent CBC interview, he affirmed that “the building blocks of Indo-Canadian relations remain unchanged,” despite recent challenges, noting that communication has improved since the G7 meeting in Kananaskis between Prime Minister Modi and former Governor General Carney. His stop in Edmonton, occurring just one day after the G20 summit interactions, reinforced this commitment at the provincial level.
Modi-Carney G20 Meeting
On November 23, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. The leaders agreed to initiate negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement covering goods, services, investment, agriculture, digital trade, mobility, and sustainability. Both described the discussions as building on “positive momentum” from previous foreign ministry talks.
Additionally, Carney has accepted Modi’s invitation to visit India in early 2026, according to a statement from the Prime Minister of Canada’s office.
