Ottawa/New Delhi – Canada and India are poised to restart their long-stalled energy partnership, committing to expanding trade in oil and natural gas, as well as emerging clean technologies. Both governments hope to diversify their export markets and reduce their reliance on geopolitical factors.

According to a joint statement, following a meeting between the two countries' energy ministers during India Energy Week in Goa, both sides pledged to increase Canadian shipments of crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to India, while India will receive more refined petroleum products in return.

The agreement restarts the formal "ministerial energy dialogue" that had been suspended due to a diplomatic rift following the killing of a Sikh activist in Canada. This restart signals a pragmatic policy shift under Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government, prioritizing economic relations with key Asian partners amidst escalating trade tensions with the United States.

Beyond oil and gas, the ministers will also work to promote reciprocal investment and explore cooperation in areas such as hydrogen, biofuels, battery storage, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence applications in energy – areas both sides believe hold untapped strategic value. This move reflects a mutual desire to transform a previously neglected bilateral relationship into a stable energy corridor amidst current global market volatility.Editor/Cao Tianyi