Canada is looking to strengthen its economic partnership with India, focusing on sectors such as critical minerals, agriculture, infrastructure, clean technologies, and ICT, according to a statement by Global Affairs Canada.
The announcement came after Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, held a conversation with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, on Saturday. In a readout of the discussion, Canada highlighted its commitment to renewing the bilateral relationship and advancing shared priorities, including food security, energy transformation, and supply chain resiliency.
The dialogue between Sidhu and Goyal coincides with the upcoming visit of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, who arrived in India on Sunday. During her trip, Anand is scheduled to meet with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Minister Goyal. Her itinerary includes engagements in both New Delhi and Mumbai, reflecting the growing focus on economic and strategic collaboration.
The developments mark a significant shift in Canada-India relations, which experienced a downturn under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Relations soured following Trudeau’s September 2023 statement in the House of Commons alleging a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.
Under Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office earlier this year, both countries are actively seeking a gradual reset, emphasizing constructive dialogue and economic cooperation. Analysts note that the renewed focus on trade and strategic sectors underscores a mutual interest in deepening bilateral engagement beyond past political tensions.