Canada Strengthens Ties with India: Trade Minister Visits for 3-Day Talks
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Canada's International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has arrived in India for a three-day visit, aimed at bolstering trade and investment ties between the two nations. The visit comes two years after a diplomatic row between the countries. Sidhu will focus on promoting Ottawa's commitment to support and grow commercial ties, specifically in sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean technology, and digital industries. He will also explore new opportunities for partnerships that benefit workers and businesses in both countries. During his visit, Sidhu will attend the Confederation of Indian Industry's Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on November 14, hosted by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. Two-way trade between Canada and India was valued at $30.9 billion in 2024, with significant potential for growth. Canada views India as a key partner in its Indo-Pacific strategy, and is seeking to strengthen economic links in the region. The country's commercial priorities in India include sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, digital industries, and infrastructure. Sidhu's visit follows a trip to Canada by Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who held bilateral talks with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The two sides have taken steps to normalize relations, including the posting of high commissioners in each other's capitals and the unveiling of a roadmap to reset ties. The countries' relations were strained after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian government agents of being involved in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India dismissed the allegation, citing a lack of evidence.
