Key Takeaways
- Anita Anand's official visit to India and the UAE is scheduled for October 13 to 16, 2026.
- In India, discussions with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will cover trade, energy, people-to-people ties, security and defence cooperation.
- In the UAE, Canada plans to advance commercial partnerships, defence cooperation, artificial intelligence and innovation.
What Is Driving Anand's Visit?
Canada is preparing to strengthen two international relationships as Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand begins a diplomatic trip to India and the United Arab Emirates. According to Global Affairs Canada, the visit will run from October 13 to October 16, 2026, with discussions focused on expanding cooperation and advancing shared priorities.
The Canadian government says the trip is intended to deepen bilateral relations and cooperation with both countries.
India Talks to Focus on Trade and Security
During her visit to India, Anand is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Their discussions will address priorities under the Canada-India roadmap, including trade, energy, people-to-people connections, security and defence cooperation.
This will be the 11th meeting between Anand and Jaishankar since September 2025, according to the Canadian government.
Anand will also participate in the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi. During a panel discussion on middle powers and the changing global order, she will reinforce the importance of multilateral and plurilateral cooperation amid geopolitical uncertainty and highlight Canada as a partner for India and the broader Indo-Pacific.
The economic relationship is also part of the visit. Global Affairs Canada reports that two-way trade between Canada and India reached $30.4 billion in 2025, including $11 billion in goods.
UAE Visit Targets Business and Innovation
In the United Arab Emirates, Anand is scheduled to meet Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, alongside senior government officials and business leaders.
The agenda includes commercial partnerships, defence and security cooperation, artificial intelligence, innovation and stronger people-to-people connections. These discussions build on commitments made during Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to the UAE in November 2025.
TwikUp's Perspective
The government says the trip is intended to deepen bilateral relations and cooperation with both countries. Its stated priorities include trade and energy with India, and commercial partnerships, defence and security, artificial intelligence and innovation with the UAE.
What Happens Next?
The announced visit is scheduled to conclude on October 16.