Canada Announces $47 Million Aid for Pakistan as Anita Anand Avoids Backing Indus Waters Treaty

[00:00:02][music] >> Canada's Indian-origin foreign minister Anita Anand has concluded a landmark visit to Pakistan.

[00:00:15]The first by a Canadian foreign minister in nearly two decades, signaling Ottawa's effort to expand engagement with Islamabad through security cooperation, development assistance, and economic partnerships.

[00:00:29]But, while the visit produced millions of dollars in new funding and fresh investment commitments, it also exposed the limits of Canada's diplomatic position on one of Pakistan's key foreign policy portfolios, the Indus Water Treaty with India.

[00:00:42]During her one-day visit, Anand held talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.

[00:00:55]The discussions focused on trade, investment, security, clean energy, and regional stability, with both countries agreeing to strengthen regular bilateral consultations after years of limited high-level engagement.

[00:01:09]The headline announcement was more than 47 million US dollars [music] in new Canadian assistance.

[00:01:15]According to Global Affairs Canada, 2.2 million US dollars will support projects on border security, counter-terrorism, financial crime investigations, and combating transnational organized crime through partnerships involving Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation.

[00:01:38]The remaining 45 million US dollars has been earmarked for development programs, including education for flood-affected children, climate resilience initiatives, and reproductive healthcare projects implemented through United Nations agencies and development partners.

[00:01:54]Beyond it, the two countries also agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Canada-Pakistan Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.

[00:02:03]The talks further explored cooperation in clean energy with Anand highlighting Canadian investments such as GCM Power's planned Dhabi G Hybrid Wind Solar Project and Barrick's involvement in the record Dick Copper and Gold Project.

[00:02:18]However, the visit also becomes a platform for Pakistan to raise one of its most pressing regional concerns.

[00:02:25]At a joint press conference, Ishaq Dar called on Canada to support Pakistan's demand for the restoration of the Indus Water Treaty.

[00:02:32]He urged Ottawa to back what he described as the immediate reinstatement of the agreement and opposed what he called the weaponization of water.

[00:02:42]>> India has added a new dynamic into an already volatile security situation by announcing to hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance. We seek the support of our friendly countries including Canada towards India's immediate restoration of the Indus Water Treaty, ending the weaponization of water and upholding international law and treaty obligation as per the international law and practices.

[00:03:07]We would be issuing a joint statement outlining the shared priorities and outcomes of our discussions today which would reflect our common resolve to further strengthen Pakistan-Canada relations and enhance cooperation across various areas of mutual interest.

[00:03:25]>> India placed the 1960 World Bank brokered treaty in abeyance following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. New Delhi has maintained that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible action against cross-border terrorism.

[00:03:42]Despite Pakistan's public appeal, Canada offered no visible endorsement. Anita did not address the request during the press conference and Canada's official statement following the visit made no reference to the Indus Water Treaty.

[00:03:56]Instead, it focused on bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, security, and development.

[00:04:03]>> In short, from development cooperation to security collaboration to expanded trade and investment, Canada and Pakistan have meaningful opportunities to strengthen our relationship for the benefit of both of our peoples. Deputy Prime Minister Dar, thank you once again for your partnership and for the constructive discussions that we have had during this visit. Thank you all for joining us today. Merci beaucoup. Bohat shukria.

[00:04:36]Thank you.

[00:04:37]>> The outcome underscores Canada's calibrated diplomatic approach. Ottawa signaled a willingness to deepen economic and security ties with Pakistan through aid, investment, and institutional cooperation, while carefully avoiding a public position on one of the most contentious disputes between [music] India and Pakistan.

[00:04:58]The balancing act reflects Canada's broader effort to expand engagement with Islamabad without becoming directly involved in unresolved regional disagreements, even as Pakistan continues seeking international support on the Indus Water Treaty.

[00:05:14]With Aryan Kumar, Bureau Report, India Today Global.

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