Canada dispatches largest trade mission to India in 30 years

Canada is launching its largest trade mission to India in over 30 years, with nearly 300 business delegates scheduled to visit Mumbai and Bengaluru from October 12 to 17. Led by Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, the delegation aims to expand commercial ties in sectors including aerospace, agri-food, clean technology, life sciences, and information technology.

The mission supports Canada’s strategic goal to more than double bilateral trade with India to CAD 70 billion by 2030. This initiative coincides with ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which both nations aim to conclude by the end of the year.

As Canada seeks to diversify its trade partnerships and reduce reliance on the United States market, the government is prioritizing new agreements. While the proximity and scale of the U.S. market remain unique, recent diplomatic efforts, including trips by Prime Minister Mark Carney, have focused on securing binding trade deals to bolster economic resilience.