India, Canada Restart Energy Talks, Explore Trade

India and Canada have officially reignited their high-level energy dialogue, signalling a renewed push for closer cooperation in both traditional and clean energy sectors. The announcement came during India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, where Canadian Energy Minister Timothy Hodgson met Indian Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. This marks the first time a Canadian Cabinet Minister has participated in the annual energy forum.

The revival of talks follows guidance from both countries’ leaders at the G7 Summit in Canada last year, which emphasised the need for stronger ministerial and working-level engagement to expand energy trade and investment. Officials described the meeting as a step toward long-term collaboration on energy security and sustainable growth.

Canada’s energy sector, which is expanding rapidly in both conventional and clean energy, aims to diversify exports to Asia. Key initiatives include LNG terminals, increased crude oil shipments via the Trans Mountain Expansion Pipeline, and LPG exports from the west coast. For India, one of the world’s largest energy consumers, these imports could help meet the country’s growing demand while supporting a transition to cleaner energy sources.

Both nations expressed interest in enhancing bilateral trade in energy products, including LNG, crude oil, and refined petroleum. Investment opportunities are also on the agenda, with India highlighting recent reforms that create a $500 billion opportunity across the energy value chain. Canada, through its Major Projects Office, is accelerating multiple energy projects worth over $116 billion, prioritising Asia as a strategic market.

Clean energy collaboration emerged as a key focus, with discussions covering hydrogen, biofuels, renewable energy, sustainable aviation fuel, battery storage, critical minerals, and electricity systems. Both sides also explored the potential for using artificial intelligence in energy management and noted ongoing participation in global initiatives such as the Global Biofuels Alliance.

A joint four-point framework was agreed upon, focusing on energy security through diverse supply chains, maintaining ongoing government-level dialogue, promoting business-to-business and government partnerships, and supporting climate action through bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The renewed dialogue reflects a thaw in energy relations and sets the stage for a more integrated partnership between India and Canada. Analysts say the collaboration could strengthen energy security, boost trade flows, and contribute to sustainable development goals, positioning both countries as key players in global energy markets.