Join WhatsApp Channel
India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal will visit Canada from May 25 to 27 as the two countries seek to advance bilateral trade talks and revive negotiations on a free trade agreement.
The visit comes amid renewed discussions between India and Canada on a proposed trade pact, with both sides expected to focus on accelerating negotiations. Discussions are also likely to cover cooperation in clean energy, nuclear energy, agriculture, and critical minerals. Goyal has also recently held discussions with UK and EU officials on trade agreements.
India and Canada have both expressed interest in strengthening economic ties amid evolving global trade and geopolitical dynamics, including the impact of U.S. tariff measures and ongoing international conflicts that continue to affect global markets and developing economies.
The two countries have been discussing a free trade agreement for more than two decades. Although bilateral trade has grown significantly in recent years, negotiations were disrupted following diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Canada has since expanded efforts to strengthen trade ties with other regions, including Southeast Asia, South America, and Europe. Increased ministerial visits and trade missions between India and Canada have contributed to Goyal accepting an invitation from Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, to visit the country.
Sidhu was among the early Canadian ministers to visit India following the appointment of Prime Minister Mark Carney. He also met Goyal during international trade summits, including one held in Cameroon, where he renewed the invitation for the minister to visit Canada.
The announcement of Goyal’s visit has generated interest among several Canadian trade and business organizations.
The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce was among the first organizations to send a delegation to India after Carney became Prime Minister. Other groups, including the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce, Canadian universities and colleges, and representatives from provinces such as British Columbia, have also sent delegations to explore investment and trade opportunities.
The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce recently appointed Hemant Shah as Chairman of its Trade Development Committee. The chamber’s Winnipeg chapter also held discussions with India’s Consul General in Toronto, Mahaveer Singhvi. Participants included Nirmal Thakar and Bhavesh Patel. Discussions focused on creating opportunities for Indian and Canadian businesses in sectors including agriculture and civil aviation.
Thakar also invited Singhvi to visit Brandon to engage with the local business community.
Shah additionally organized a seminar highlighting investment opportunities at GIFT City, with discussions focused on the grain sector, engineering services, and civil aviation, including pilot training initiatives.
Singhvi also met a delegation from the Winnipeg Civil Aviation Club led by Shah.
Meanwhile, the Consulate General of India in Toronto will host a community reception in honor of Goyal. The event is expected to bring together members of the Indian diaspora, business leaders, professionals, academics, and friends of India to further strengthen India-Canada ties, particularly in trade, investment, innovation, and people-to-people engagement.
The reception will be held at Pearson Convention Center on May 26 at 5 p.m.
Related posts:
India, Canada Move to Fast-Track Trade Pact as New Delhi Pushes Strategic Collaboration in Critical Minerals, Clean Energy
India–Canada Uranium Deal, Trade Talks May Advance During Prime Minister Carney’s Expected March Visit
OFIC Urges Canada to Fast-Track CEPA Talks as British Columbia Trade Mission Arrives in India
CHCC India Mission Gains Momentum as BC Premier Prepares Trade Visit to Strengthen Canada–India Economic Ties
