Canada's Energy Minister says energy ties with India enter new phase after reset

UPDATED: Jan 30, 2026 02:57 IST

Canada sees its energy partnership with India not as an option, but a necessity, as the two countries enter what Ottawa calls a recalibrated phase in bilateral ties after a period of strain.

In an exclusive interview with India Today Global, Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, said the relationship is now anchored in mutual respect for sovereignty and national security, with energy cooperation emerging as a central pillar.

"Canada sees not just an opportunity, but a strategic imperative, to partner with India in shaping a secure, resilient, and mutually beneficial energy future," Hodgson said, adding that both governments have consciously reset the relationship after past tensions.

CANADA EYES INDIA AS KEY DRIVER OF FUTURE ENERGY DEMAND

Hodgson was in India for India Energy Week, where discussions focused on diversification, energy security and long-term supply chains. He described India and Canada as "a perfect match", pointing to Canada’s strength as a clean and conventional energy producer and India’s role as the fastest-growing driver of global energy demand.

"What we heard clearly is that India will account for nearly a third of global energy demand growth in the coming years. For Canada, that’s a tremendous opportunity," he said.

The minister underlined the breadth of sectors where the two sides see scope for deeper engagement, including LNG, LPG, conventional oil, uranium, potash and critical minerals. "Opportunities abound," he said, noting that Canada is also keen to learn from Indian companies that are delivering renewable energy at scale and competitive prices.

A key theme running through the talks was diversification. Hodgson noted that India has doubled the number of countries it sources oil and gas from over the years, while Canada is equally keen to broaden its customer base. "You’re getting less than 1% of your oil from Canada today. There’s a huge opportunity for us to diversify our customer base and for you to continue to diversify your supplier base," he said.

He pointed to new infrastructure on Canada’s west coast that would allow energy exports directly to India, cutting shipping time and costs. "That means not dealing with tolls through the Panama Canal, and it means cheaper energy ultimately for India," Hodgson said.

NUCLEAR COOPERATION BACK IN FOCUS AFTER DIPLOMATIC FREEZE

On nuclear energy, a sensitive area given the past diplomatic freeze, Hodgson offered reassurance on continuity of supply. Canada, he said, is "happy to supply uranium for peaceful purposes" to Indian facilities that comply with Atomic Energy Agency oversight. He acknowledged India’s ambitious target of adding around 100 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047.

The minister also framed the renewed engagement in a wider geopolitical context, marked by tariff coercion and supply chain disruptions. "Some countries are using integration for coercion," he said, arguing that middle powers like India and Canada must respond by strengthening diversified, like-minded partnerships to build economic resilience and national security.

"There’s a strong affinity between our countries, reinforced by nearly two million Indian Canadians," Hodgson said. "India’s approach to building resilient global partnerships aligns with Canada’s vision."

As high-level visits resume on both sides, Ottawa sees the energy partnership as the backbone of a broader reset. "Canada’s road to continuing to be an energy superpower runs through India," Hodgson said. "That’s why I’m here."

India-Canada bilateral relations are experiencing significant, renewed momentum recently. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will reportedly visit India in the first week of March, the Globe and Mail reported on Tuesday, citing Reuters.

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