In a move that could reshape the global supply chain for high-technology hardware, India and Canada have agreed to fast-track negotiations and deepen cooperation on critical minerals and emerging technologies. The announcement came following high-level talks between India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his Canadian counterparts, signaling a thaw in diplomatic relations and a renewed focus on economic pragmatism.
The partnership focuses on securing the supply of key minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel—essential components for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage systems. Canada, with its vast mineral reserves, is looking to diversify its export markets, while India, with its burgeoning EV and electronics manufacturing sector, is seeking reliable raw material sources to reduce dependency on other geopolitical rivals.
Beyond minerals, the agreement places a heavy emphasis on technology transfer and joint research in clean energy. Minister Goyal highlighted India’s ambitious target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, noting that this green power infrastructure is crucial for supporting the energy-intensive data centers required for the AI boom. “We are natural partners,” Goyal stated. “Canada has the resources and the technology; India has the scale, the talent pool, and the market.”
The deal also includes provisions for cooperation in nuclear energy and ‘advanced technologies’ including AI and quantum computing. The two nations plan to revitalize the CEO Forum to encourage private sector collaboration and have proposed a joint R&D fund to spur innovation in clean tech.
For the tech industry, this geopolitical alignment is significant. It promises a more stable supply chain for the hardware that underpins the digital economy. From the servers that train AI models to the batteries that power modern mobility, the India-Canada corridor could become a vital artery for the global tech ecosystem.
