Canada–India Defence Collaboration for a Secure Future

SUBJECT: International Relations

News

Canada is undertaking a major transformation of its defence and security strategy in response to changing geopolitical realities and rapid technological advancements. This strategic shift has opened new opportunities for deeper defence cooperation with India.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted that modern warfare is increasingly shaped by drones, autonomous systems, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and space-based technologies, making stronger defence partnerships essential.

Why is Defence Cooperation Becoming More Important?

Rising geopolitical rivalry and strategic uncertainty.
Emergence of new-age warfare technologies.
Growing importance of resilient defence supply chains.
Need for trusted partners in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

India–Canada Defence Collaboration

1. Institutional Defence Engagement

Both countries have appointed Defence Advisers in New Delhi and Ottawa to strengthen military cooperation.
Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney have agreed to establish a Canada–India Defence Dialogue to deepen strategic coordination and identify new areas of collaboration.

2. Military Cooperation

Armed forces of both countries have expanded cooperation through multinational military exercises such as:
- RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise)
- Exercise Talisman Sabre
Military education exchanges have increased, including visits by delegations from India’s National Defence College to Canadian defence institutions.

3. Defence Manufacturing & Technology

Canada has invited India to collaborate in:

Defence co-development
Component manufacturing
Defence production
Maintenance and lifecycle support of defence platforms

Canada is also investing in:

Drone innovation
Advanced aerospace technologies
Autonomous defence systems

This complements India’s growing defence manufacturing ecosystem under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Space Cooperation

Both India and Canada are among the few countries with advanced space capabilities.

Canada’s Strengths

Satellite technology
Space robotics
Advanced aerospace components
Earth observation satellites

India’s Strengths

Cost-effective satellite launches
Deep-space missions
Indigenous launch vehicles
Expanding commercial space sector

RADARSAT Constellation

Canada’s RADARSAT satellite constellation can support India in:

Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
Naval surveillance
Coastal security
Disaster monitoring

Critical Minerals Partnership

Critical minerals are essential for:

Defence manufacturing
Semiconductors
Electric vehicle batteries
Clean energy technologies
Aerospace systems

Canada’s Advantages

Canada possesses reserves of 31 critical minerals, including:

Uranium
Cobalt
Rare earth elements
Tungsten
Helium

Key Fact

Canada is the world’s second-largest producer of uranium, contributing nearly 24% of global production (2024).

India–Canada Critical Minerals MoU (2026)

During Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India in 2026, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Critical Minerals Value Chain.

Objectives

Build resilient and trusted supply chains.
Reduce dependence on vulnerable global suppliers.
Support defence manufacturing.
Strengthen strategic industries.
Promote long-term resource security.

Why is this Partnership Important?

Strengthens Indo-Pacific strategic cooperation.
Enhances defence technology collaboration.
Supports India’s defence indigenisation.
Improves supply-chain resilience.
Expands cooperation in space and emerging technologies.
Promotes strategic autonomy for both democracies.
Deepens economic and security ties.