Canada has sent nearly 300 business delegates to India for its largest trade mission to the country in more than 30 years. The visit comes as both governments seek to conclude a comprehensive trade agreement by the end of 2026…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Canada has launched its largest trade mission to India in more than 30 years, with nearly 300 business delegates travelling to Mumbai and Bengaluru to explore commercial opportunities and strengthen economic ties.
The Team Canada Trade Mission, led by Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, will run from 12 to 17 October, according to Global Affairs Canada. The visit comes as Ottawa and New Delhi seek to conclude a comprehensive trade agreement by the end of the year.
The delegation will meet Indian decision-makers, industry representatives and potential business partners, with the aim of expanding commercial relations and creating employment opportunities in Canada.
Sidhu said the mission would help Canadian companies explore opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
“Nearly 300 Canadian business delegates are joining the Team Canada Trade Mission I am leading to India next week to secure new opportunities for our businesses and workers in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets,” he said.
He said the mission would connect Canadian expertise in sectors such as aerospace, agri-food and clean technology with India’s growing demand.
“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 added.
The delegation includes companies from aerospace and space, clean technology and energy transition, information and communication technology, life sciences and agri-food. Forestry and wood products are also among the priority sectors identified by Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service.
The programme includes business-to-business meetings, site visits and briefings by Canadian trade commissioners to help companies identify potential partners and establish commercial links.
The mission follows the fifth round of negotiations on the Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), held in Ottawa from 5 to 9 October. Neither government has announced the outcome of those discussions.
Sidhu met India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee on 1 October. The two ministers reviewed progress in the trade negotiations.
The renewed engagement comes after relations between the countries deteriorated sharply in 2023. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have since moved to reset bilateral ties and advance economic cooperation.
Canada is seeking to diversify its trade beyond the United States, its largest trading partner, amid trade tensions with the administration of US President Donald Trump. Ottawa has said it wants to double exports to markets outside the US over the next decade.
India, meanwhile, is pursuing trade negotiations with several partners, including the United States, as it seeks to expand market access and strengthen international economic ties.
According to Canadian government figures, two-way trade in goods and services between Canada and India totalled C$30.4 billion in 2025.
Canadian merchandise exports to India amounted to C$3.9 billion, led by vegetables, mineral fuels and oils, and wood pulp. Imports from India reached C$9.7 billion, mainly comprising precious stones and metals, machinery and pharmaceutical products.
Canadian direct investment in India stood at C$11.4 billion in 2025, while Indian direct investment in Canada totalled C$9.7 billion, according to the figures cited in the announcement.
Export Development Canada reported that Canadian pension funds and asset managers had a combined exposure of about C$108 billion to India in 2025.
Team Canada trade missions are organised by Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service to help Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, enter international markets and establish new partnerships.
The latest visit is expected to support efforts to expand bilateral commerce as negotiations continue towards a potential trade agreement by the end of 2026.
