OTTAWA: Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is visiting India this week, as both countries work towards strengthening economic cooperation and reaching a free-trade agreement by the end of 2026.

Sidhu’s visit will include meetings and business engagements in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Nearly 300 representatives from Canadian businesses and export companies are accompanying him, making the visit a significant step in expanding commercial ties between the two countries.

According to information released by Global Affairs Canada, the delegation includes companies from several important industries, including aerospace, clean energy, advanced technologies, life sciences, agriculture and food production. The mission aims to help Canadian businesses explore new markets, develop partnerships and identify investment opportunities in India.

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Canada and India Aim to Expand Bilateral Trade

Expanding international trade beyond the United States has become a major priority for the Canadian government. Ottawa aims to double its non-U.S. exports over the next decade while increasing economic engagement with key global markets.

India is an important part of that strategy. Both governments have expressed interest in expanding bilateral trade, with Canada setting a target of increasing two-way trade with India to $70 billion annually by 2030.

In 2025, trade in goods and services between the two countries reached approximately $30.4 billion, highlighting the potential for further growth.

Sidhu described the current visit as the largest Canadian trade delegation to India in more than three decades. He said participating companies are looking to connect with new buyers, establish commercial relationships and create employment opportunities in Canada.

He also highlighted India’s rapid economic development and the opportunities it presents for Canadian industries seeking to expand internationally.

Aerospace and Clean Energy Offer Major Opportunities

The aerospace sector is expected to be one of the key areas of cooperation during the trade mission. Sidhu pointed to India’s growing aviation requirements, noting that the country is expected to need more than 2,000 aircraft in the coming years. Canadian aerospace manufacturers and suppliers could play a role in meeting this demand.

Energy is another important area of potential collaboration. India’s electricity demand is projected to increase substantially by 2035, creating opportunities for companies involved in energy infrastructure, natural gas and cleaner technologies.

Sidhu said Canada is advancing major energy developments, including LNG Canada Phase 2 and Pacific Link, which could strengthen its ability to contribute to international energy markets.

Investment is also moving in both directions. According to the minister, Indian companies have already generated nearly 36,000 jobs across Canada, reflecting the contribution of Indian investment to the Canadian economy.

Trade Negotiations Back on the Agenda

Alongside business meetings, Sidhu plans to advance discussions on a possible Canada-India trade agreement. He is expected to meet India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, during the visit.

The two countries have been discussing a trade agreement since 2010, but negotiations were suspended in 2023 following a serious diplomatic dispute. Canada had accused India of involvement in the killing of a Canadian Sikh activist in Surrey, British Columbia. India denied the allegations, and the dispute placed significant strain on bilateral relations.

Efforts to rebuild diplomatic and economic ties gained momentum after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney took office in 2025 and made improving relations with India a priority.

Carney visited Mumbai and New Delhi in March 2026, marking the first visit by a Canadian prime minister to India in eight years. During the trip, he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the two countries announced several agreements aimed at improving cooperation.

These included a reported $2.6 billion uranium supply agreement involving approximately 22 million pounds of uranium for energy generation, along with 10 commercial agreements valued at more than $5.5 billion.

Earlier, in May, Goyal said Carney’s visit had created an opportunity to reshape the relationship between the two countries.

A New Chapter for Canada-India Economic Relations

India’s expanding economy and Canada’s expertise in technology, aerospace, energy and agriculture offer opportunities for deeper commercial engagement. However, progress will depend on continued diplomatic cooperation and the ability of both governments to address outstanding differences.

Modi is expected to visit Canada later in 2026, which could provide another opportunity to advance discussions on trade and investment.

Sidhu’s visit, supported by a delegation of nearly 300 Canadian business representatives, signals renewed interest in building stronger economic connections. Whether the two countries can achieve their ambitious trade goals will depend on the progress of negotiations and the partnerships developed during the mission.