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India PM | March 2, 2026: Your Essential Daily Briefing on India's Prime Minister
The India PM Newsletter for March 2, 2026 covers India-Canada deepening cooperation across multiple sectors, moving towards $50 billion trade target per PM Modi, signing 8 MoUs/agreements with 9 announcements, PM Modi scheduled to address post-budget webinar, holding talks with Israeli PM Netanyahu, Saudi Crown Prince, King of Bahrain and King of Jordan, and highlighting importance of self-confidence and will power.
NEWS IN DETAIL
India, Canada To Deepen Cooperation Across Multiple Sectors
PM Modi, Canadian PM Hold Bilateral Talks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian Counterpart Mark Carney held bilateral talks in New Delhi, and agreed to deepen cooperation in multiple sectors.
The Leaders acknowledged that, in an increasingly complex and uncertain global context, a strong, resilient, and forward-looking partnership between two vibrant democracies contributes meaningfully to mutual prosperity and to advancing shared global priorities. They underscored that closer cooperation between India and Canada will help reinforce international rules and norms that are applied fairly, strengthen economic resilience, promote sustainable development, and address global challenges including climate change, rapid technological transformation, and public health.
The Leaders affirmed their shared resolve to work together bilaterally and in multilateral fora to uphold democratic values, support inclusive growth, and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Building on this shared vision, the Leaders agreed to adopt the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future” as the overarching guiding framework for the renewed India–Canada Strategic Partnership, reflecting their commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and collective global responsibility.
They underscored the alignment between India’s vision of Viksit Bharat and Canada’s Build Canada Strong agenda, and affirmed that enhanced bilateral cooperation across growth, innovation, energy transition, food and nutrition security, trusted digital ecosystems, resilient supply chains, skills and talent mobility, and people-centric development will serve as a catalyst for resilient societies, shared prosperity, and a more sustainable future for both countries and the wider world.
The Leaders agreed to deepen collaboration across the following priority sectors: strategic energy partnership, energy trade, critical minerals cooperation, clean energy cooperation, climate and environment, global clean energy platforms, sustainable agriculture and nutritional security, investing in talent, people-to-people and cultural cooperation, science and technology architecture, space cooperation, digital and ai cooperation, security and defence cooperation, and advancing trade partnership.
India, Canada Moving Towards $50 Billion Trade Target: PM Modi
Addressing the India-Canada CEO Forum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the two countries are “writing a new chapter” in bilateral relations and moving steadily towards raising trade to $50 billion, with plans to finalise the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the earliest.
Speaking in the presence Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, business leaders and industry representatives, PM Modi highlighted growing trust and renewed momentum in ties between the two democracies.
“Today we are writing a new chapter in India-Canada relations. Prime Minister Carney has not even completed one year in office, yet our relations have leapt forward by a light year. In recent months, trust has grown, clarity has emerged, and new momentum has been created,” PM Modi said.
He noted that the engagement comes at a time of global economic uncertainty and pressure on the international economic order, adding that dialogue between business leaders would help prepare “a new blueprint for our partnership.”
Trade Target and CEPA
Emphasising the shared democratic values and economic strengths of both nations, the Prime Minister said:
“Today, Prime Minister Carney and I have taken an important decision to advance our shared vision. We are moving steadily towards raising bilateral trade to the level of 50 billion dollars. We will finalize the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement at the earliest.”
He underlined that while governments can create frameworks and provide policy direction, it is industry leaders who have the power to turn vision into reality.
India’s Growth Story
Highlighting India’s economic trajectory, PM Modi said:
“Today India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. Behind this transformation is strong domestic demand, a young population, large-scale investment, and the power of digital technology.”
He referred to ongoing reforms, including policy simplification, production-linked incentives, logistics modernization, and tax and bankruptcy reforms aimed at strengthening ease of doing business.
Five Key Areas of Cooperation
The Prime Minister outlined five priority sectors for deeper collaboration: Clean Energy and Nuclear Cooperation, Infrastructure and Capital Partnership, Artificial Intelligence, Manufacturing and Technology, and Food Processing
Expanding Beyond Capitals
PM Modi emphasised that the partnership should extend beyond national capitals to states and provinces.
“Alberta’s natural resources must be linked with Gujarat and Rajasthan’s renewable ambitions. Ontario’s manufacturing strength must be connected with Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra’s industrial clusters. Montreal’s tech ecosystem must be integrated with Bengaluru and Hyderabad’s innovation hubs.”
He said such linkages would transform the partnership “from policy to prosperity.”
Cricket Analogy
Concluding his address with a sporting reference, the Prime Minister said:
“Just like in T20 cricket with fast decisions, fearless strokes and match-winning partnerships, India and Canada will shape the future together.”
He invited Canadian businesses to join India’s development journey.
India, Canada Sign 8 MoUs/Agreements, Make 9 Announcements
During the Canadian Prime Minister’s visit, India and Canada inked eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)/ Agreements and made nine announcements.
Terms of Reference For India-Canada CEPA
The Terms of Reference (ToR) have been finalized for the launch of negotiations toward an ambitious and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The ToR provides the framework, frequency, and modalities that will guide the discussions toward the timely conclusion of an ambitious, balanced, and mutually beneficial CEPA covering trade in goods and services, as well as other agreed policy areas.
Once concluded, the CEPA will significantly strengthen India–Canada economic engagement and accelerate progress toward achieving the bilateral trade target of USD 50 billion by 2030.
India-Canada-Australia Trilateral MoU On Cooperation In Technology And Innovation
Aims to advance trilateral cooperation in emerging technologies and innovation, under the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership
Declaration of Intent on Joint Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence at National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management Kundli (NIFTEM-K)
India-Canada Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence will strengthen food processing capabilities and nutrition-sensitive food systems through applied innovation.
Support advanced protein extraction and the development of fortified pulse products to address micronutrient deficiencies
Commercial Contract Between Department Of Atomic Energy With Cameco, Canada For The Supply Of Uranium Ore Concentrates
Long-term contract with Cameco, Canada for supply of Uranium Ore Concentrates.
Major step towards expansion of Nuclear Energy in India.
Contribute towards India’s vision for its nuclear power program, under the Viksit Bharat initiative, to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.
MoU between AICTE And Mitacs, Canada For Globalink Research Internships
Fully-funded internships for up to 300 eligible Indian students annually for three years (beginning 2027) to undertake a 12-week fully-funded research internship under the supervision of Canadian academic institution faculty members in a variety of academic disciplines, from science, engineering, and mathematics to the humanities and social science.
Mou On Critical Minerals Cooperation
This is a mutually beneficial collaboration between India and Canada to develop secure and resilient critical mineral supply and value chains. Entails promotion of investment and identification of projectsin both countries and facilitating exchange of technical knowledge and best practices in critical and strategic mineral exploration, mining, beneficiation and processing for efficient extraction
MoU On Promoting Use Of Renewable Energy
Promotes bilateral cooperation in the field of renewable energy.
Supports exchange of information, best practices, lessons learned; and capacity building in the domain of energy storage, solar energy, wind energy, and biomass / bio-energy.
MoU On Cultural Cooperation
Enhance people-to-people ties between the two countries through culture and knowledge development.
Carry out targeted cultural activities and cooperation projects with relevant cultural institutions in co-curated projects, performing arts, visual arts, other creative industries and emerging technology.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
24 MoUs / partnerships among universities / institutions in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, healthcare, agriculture, and innovation.
Canada to join Global Biofuels Alliance.
Canada to join International Solar Alliance.
India’s support for Canada’s joining Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as a Dialogue Partner.
Establishment of India-Canada Parliament Friendship Group.
Reconstitution of the India–Canada CEO Forum- Key platform to deepen private-sector engagement and advance practical cooperation across priority sectors.
Establishment of India-Canada Defence Dialogue.
Launch of a new Canada-India Joint Talent and Innovation Strategy by Universities Canada.
Participation of Canada in the upcoming Bharat Tribes Fest-2026, New Delhi from 17-30th March, 2026
Prime Minister Modi To Address Post-Budget Webinar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Post-Budget Webinar on March 3, 2026, through video conferencing on the theme of Sustaining and Strengthening Economic Growth.
The Prime Minister’s Office has informed that the Post-Budget Webinar will highlight the forward-looking reform push to expand industrial scale, deepen technological leadership and strengthen the foundations of critical sectors.
It said that the deliberations will focus on translating these priorities into effective action. They will be guided by insights from industry participants whose on-ground experience will support more effective implementation.
PM Modi Speaks With Israeli Prime Minister
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to discuss the current regional situation.
During the call, the Prime Minister conveyed India’s concerns regarding recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority.
Prime Minister Modi further reiterated India’s position on the need for an early cessation of hostilities.
PM Modi Holds Talks With Saudi Crown Prince
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in West Asia. Prime Minister Modi strongly condemned the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, noting that they are in violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Both leaders agreed that the earliest restoration of regional peace and stability is of utmost importance.
The Prime Minister thanked His Royal Highness for looking after the well-being of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia during these difficult times.
The Prime Minister shared on X: “Discussed the evolving situation in West Asia with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman. India condemns the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia in violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We agreed that earliest restoration of regional peace and stability is of utmost importance. I thanked him for looking after the well-being of the Indian community in these difficult times.”
PM Modi Speaks With King Of Bahrain
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain.
During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi strongly condemned the recent attacks on Bahrain. He expressed India’s firm solidarity with the people of Bahrain during this difficult hour.
The Prime Minister also thanked the King for the steadfast support and care extended to the Indian community in Bahrain.
The Prime Minister shared on X: “Had a productive telephone conversation with the King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. India condemns the attacks on Bahrain and stands in solidarity with its people in this difficult hour. I thank him for the steadfast support extended to the Indian community in Bahrain.”
Prime Minister Speaks With King Of Jordan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with King of Jordan King Abdullah II.
The Prime Minister conveyed deep concern at the evolving situation in the region. He reaffirmed support for the peace, security, and well-being of the people of Jordan.
Prime Minister Modi also thanked King Abdullah for taking care of the Indian community in Jordan in this difficult hour.
The Prime Minister shared on X: “Spoke with His Majesty King Abdullah II, the King of Jordan. Conveyed our deep concern at the evolving situation in the region. We reaffirm our support for peace, security and the well-being of the people of Jordan. I thanked him for taking care of the Indian community in Jordan in this difficult hour.”
PM Highlights Importance Of Self-Confidence And Will Power
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a Sanskrit verse to underscore the importance of self-confidence and will power.
The Prime Minister shared on x:
“भारतवर्ष की युवाशक्ति का दृढ़ संकल्प अतुलनीय है। हमारे युवा साथी जो ठान लेते हैं, वो करके दिखाते हैं। यही वजह है कि आज हमारा देश अपने सपनों को साकार कर रहा है।
न वा उ मां वृजने वारयन्ते न पर्वतासो यदहं मनस्ये।
मम स्वनात् कृधुकर्णो भयात एवेदनु द्यून्किरणः समेजात्।।”
The English translation of the post is: “The determination of Bharat’s youth power is incomparable. Our young friends accomplish whatever they resolve to do, which is why the country is realizing its dreams today.
Profound is the power of your self-confidence. Nobody can crush your self-determination. Even big obstacles of the size of a big mountain cannot obstruct your path. You are more powerful than the sun, provided you have the strength of will power.”