CN CANADA: Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal says Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to India has created major momentum in resetting Canada-India relations.
Goyal is in Canada this week for trade and investment meetings. On Monday, he met Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu in Ottawa as both countries work to rebuild economic ties and move forward on trade negotiations. Global Affairs Canada confirmed that Sidhu and Goyal met in Ottawa on May 25 to discuss Canada-India trade and investment opportunities.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Goyal said Carney’s visit “completely changed” the way Canada and India look at each other. He said both countries now see strong potential to reset the relationship, create new goals, and move faster on trade cooperation.
Canada and India have been involved in trade discussions for years, but talks were paused in 2023 after diplomatic tensions following the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia. Canada accused India of involvement, while New Delhi denied the allegation.
Carney made improving relations with India a priority after becoming prime minister. His recent visit to India included meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several agreements, including a C$2.6-billion uranium supply deal for India’s nuclear energy sector.
Goyal is being accompanied by a major Indian business delegation, with reports describing it as India’s largest-ever commercial delegation to Canada. The delegation includes senior representatives from sectors such as mining, energy, automotive and aerospace.
Both countries are now aiming to finalize a free trade agreement in 2026 and increase bilateral trade to US$50 billion by 2030. The renewed push could open stronger opportunities in energy, agriculture, education, clean technology, critical minerals, investment and advanced manufacturing.
Sidhu said Canada is looking to deepen its economic partnership with India and continue trade discussions in the coming months. The talks also align with Canada’s broader goal of expanding trade beyond the United States and building stronger global partnerships