The Canada-India Business Council (C-IBC) brought together more than 350 senior business and government leaders for its 15th annual Canada-India Mumbai Business Forum, focusing on opportunities to expand bilateral trade, investment, and commercial partnerships.
Held at the Taj Mahal Palace in conjunction with the Team Canada Trade Mission to India, the forum examined efforts to strengthen economic ties as the two countries pursue a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), according to a C-IBC press statement.
The statement said Canada aims to double annual two-way trade with India to $70 billion by 2030, while both governments have expressed their intention to conclude CEPA negotiations by the end of 2026.
C-IBC President and CEO Victor Thomas moderated a fireside conversation with Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, discussing Canada’s trade diversification agenda and India’s role in that effort.
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Sidhu emphasized the importance of expanding commercial engagement with India, citing opportunities to connect Canadian capabilities with demand in the Indian market.
“By matching Canadian expertise in sectors like aerospace, agri-food and clean technology with India’s growing demand, we will diversify our trade and attract new investment. This is how we will more than double our trade with India to $70 billion by 2030,” Sidhu said.
A panel titled “Unlocking Capital to Drive India’s Growth and Ambition” examined India’s investment landscape, factors influencing long-term capital allocation, and conditions that could attract additional global investment, the statement said.
Moderated by C-IBC Chief Operating Officer Shuchita Sonalika, the discussion featured Aditya Joshi, head of private equity for Asia Pacific at Brookfield Asset Management; Helly Ajmera, head of India investments at BCI; Hari Krishna, head of the India office at CPP Investments; and Zia Mody, managing partner at AZB & Partners.
Another session, “Turning Regional Advantage into Global Growth,” explored how provinces, communities, and regional economies can contribute to stronger Canada-India economic ties.
Ajay Bisaria, former Indian high commissioner to Canada and an adviser to OMERS, moderated the discussion. Participants included Jamie Moses, Manitoba’s minister of business, mining, trade and job creation; Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan’s minister of trade and export development; and Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.
The conversation focused on opportunities connecting India and Western Canada, including agricultural value chains, critical minerals, and infrastructure, according to the statement.
Reflecting on the forum’s history, Thomas said it has provided a platform for Canadian and Indian business and government leaders to exchange perspectives and develop partnerships over the past 15 years.
“With 350 business and government leaders engaging in our largest Forum yet, our task now is to translate that momentum into investment, partnerships and transactions that create lasting value in both countries,” Thomas said.
