Ottawa: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has pitched India as a trusted long-term economic partner during a series of high-level meetings and community engagements in Canada.
Goyal held talks with business leaders, pension fund executives, technology institutions and the Indian diaspora during his visit to Toronto, focusing on investment, innovation and trade cooperation across sectors ranging from clean energy and infrastructure to artificial intelligence and critical minerals.
“India’s growing global economic stature is opening new avenues for Indian industry worldwide, and the Government of India remains committed to supporting enterprises in taking India’s growth story to the world,” Goyal said after meeting members of the Indian business delegation accompanying him.
The minister also pointed to India’s expanding global trade engagement, saying India had signed multiple free trade agreements covering 28 countries in recent years.
India and Canada have been attempting to stabilize ties after relations deteriorated sharply in 2023 following allegations by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India rejected the allegations as “absurd” and politically motivated.
The two countries have significant economic interests in sectors including energy, technology, education, agriculture, and critical minerals. Discussions on a broader trade agreement, including CEPA, had progressed through several rounds before slowing amid the diplomatic standoff.
Goyal lauds diaspora's contributions
Piyush Goyal also highlighted India's growth journey and great market opportunities at the reception hosted by Canada's Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu. He praised the contribution of the Indian diaspora in forging deeper ties in areas across the economy and culture.
"Concluded a productive day in Ottawa with a delightful interaction at a reception hosted by my counterpart, Minister of International Trade of Canada, Mr. @MSidhuLiberal. Spoke about India's remarkable growth journey, driven by the aspirations of its people, a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, a vast talent pool and greater market opportunities. Also, emphasised the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora in deepening economic, cultural and people-to-people relations!", he said on X.
Sidhu said that a "Team Canada" business delegation will arrive in India later this year to further boost the economic ties as the two countries look forward to tripling and taking their trade to USD 50 billion by 2030.
