Canada and India Bolster Defence Ties Amid Evolving Global Threats
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney outlined a renewed focus on defence collaboration with India, speaking at CANSEC 2026, Canada's premier defence and security event, on May 27, 2026. He emphasised the need for Canada to adapt to rapidly changing warfare, citing drones, autonomous systems, and space-based weapons. Carney's remarks come as both nations seek to deepen bilateral defence engagement.
Carney reiterated Canada's commitment to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, noting that the country has already surpassed the NATO target of 2% in March 2026. This places Canada among the top 10 largest economies in defence expenditure. The announcement follows earlier statements by Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he spoke of a 'rupture in the world order,' echoing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's description of a 'decade of crisis.'
Bilateral defence cooperation has seen concrete steps. Both countries have accredited Defence Advisers in Ottawa and Delhi. Carney and Modi agreed to establish a Defence Dialogue to prioritise shared interests and align capabilities. Canadian and Indian navies have participated jointly in exercises such as Rim of the Pacific and Talisman Sabre. In June 2026, a delegation from India's National Defence College visited Canada for exchanges with military institutions.
Canada has created a national Defence Investment Agency to streamline procurement and launched a defence Industrial Strategy to diversify supply chains. The strategy calls on partners like India to engage in co-development, subsystem manufacturing, and sustainment. A half-billion-dollar investment in next-generation aerospace technologies, including a drone innovation hub, supports this effort.
Technology cooperation is a key pillar. Canada's full-spectrum aerospace sector and R&D strengths complement India's large domestic aviation market and manufacturing base. Both nations have advanced space capabilities; a joint statement highlighted civilian space cooperation. Canada's expertise in satellite components and space robotics could augment India's low-cost platforms, and Canada's RADARSAT constellation may help India's naval surveillance. Critical minerals, essential for defence technologies, offer another partnership avenue—Canada holds significant reserves of 31 critical minerals, including rare earth elements and uranium.
The evolving global security landscape, marked by conflicts near borders and new weaponry, makes such collaboration crucial. Neither Canada nor India can rely solely on traditional allies; partnerships like this aim for mutual security and economic resilience.
