India Sending ‘Largest Ever’ Trade Delegation to Canada Amid Push to Expand Economic Ties

India is sending what officials are calling its “largest-ever” business delegation to Canada this week as both countries move to strengthen trade and investment relations following years of diplomatic tensions.

The delegation, led by Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, will include more than 100 senior business representatives from sectors including mining, energy, aerospace, automotive, and technology.

The three-day visit, running from Monday to Wednesday, is expected to focus on expanding bilateral trade and accelerating negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic and Partnership Agreement between the two countries.

According to India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Goyal will meet with Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu in Ottawa to continue discussions on economic cooperation and explore new investment opportunities.

Indian officials said both sides are committed to “fast-tracking” negotiations on the trade agreement.

Goyal is also expected to hold meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, along with executives from major corporations, startups, and pension funds.

A statement from Canada Trade described the visiting group as “the largest-ever business delegation to go from India to any country.”

Officials from both countries say the goal is to increase bilateral trade to $70 billion by 2030.

Energy cooperation is expected to be a major topic during the discussions, particularly following agreements signed earlier this year during Carney’s visit to India.

That trip included meetings in Mumbai and New Delhi with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both countries announced a strategic energy partnership.

Among the deals signed was a $2.6-billion agreement to supply approximately 22 million pounds of uranium to India for nuclear energy production, alongside 10 commercial agreements valued at more than $5.5 billion.

Carney said at the time that the two nations were aiming to finalize a broader economic agreement before the end of the year.

“This is not merely the renewal of a relationship. It is the expansion of a valued partnership with new ambition, focus, and foresight,” Carney said during his March visit.

Trade negotiations between Canada and India originally began in 2010 but were suspended in 2023 after Ottawa accused New Delhi of involvement in the killing of a Canadian Sikh activist in Surrey.

Since becoming prime minister in 2025, Carney has made restoring relations with India a key priority, with both governments now working to rebuild diplomatic and economic ties.

A Canadian delegation also visited New Delhi earlier this month for a second round of negotiations on the proposed trade agreement, signaling renewed momentum in the relationship between the two countries.

Courtesy: ctvnews