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REGINA — Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is tempering expectations ahead of his trip to India with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Moe says he’s not anticipating a trade deal, but hopes meetings this week will “reinvigorate” both countries in moving toward a better trading relationship.
“Those discussions were occurring a number of years ago, (but) they were put on pause,” the premier told reporters Wednesday.
“I’m hopeful that should we be able to get back to the table and start to work the opportunities for that more broad-based trade agreement, that’s a real positive for Saskatchewan and Canada.”
The talks come as Indian tariffs on Canadian agricultural products continue to harm Saskatchewan’s farming industry.
Last year, India imposed a 30 per cent tariff on Canadian yellow peas. It also has 10 per cent levies on lentils.
Moe’s government has urged Ottawa to reach an agreement with New Delhi. He said he’s concerned India could hike tariffs on lentils due to domestic issues in that country.
“I would hope that we’re able to have conversations that would exempt or not have that tariff increased,” he said. “I will be engaging on that topic.”
Pulse Canada, which represents producers of lentils, peas and beans, said in a statement that it values Carney and Moe working together to deepen ties with India.
The industry group said the long-term fundamentals of the industry remain strong. “Rising protein demand, urbanization and growth in food processing will drive sustained expansion, particularly in pulse ingredients,” it said.
Moe is joining Carney in New Delhi and Mumbai for the talks, and the premier is later set to speak at a conference to promote the province’s energy, mining and agriculture sectors. Moe returns to Saskatchewan on March 6.
Moe said while Canada may not agree with India on everything, it’s important for both countries to collaborate on areas that benefit their economies.
Ottawa’s relationship with New Delhi soured three years ago after former prime minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of potentially playing a role in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh Canadian activist.
“It’s about separating the points where you may not have agreement from the points where you can,” Moe said.
“(Carney and I) may not have 100 per cent agreement on policy points, but it’s good to have a prime minister that is going into those rooms and focusing on our economic relationship with these countries.”
On U.S. tariffs, Moe said it’s important for Canada to maintain free trade with its southern neighbour while also expanding to other markets.
“The tariff talk isn’t going to go away,” he said.
Earlier this year, Moe joined Carney on a trade mission to China. Both countries agreed to see Beijing reduce tariffs on Canadian canola products in exchange for Ottawa lowering duties on Chinese electric vehicles.
Moe said there’s more work to do to get Chinese duties removed from Canadian canola oil and pork.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 25, 2026.
Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press
