India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, highlighted the significant impact of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to India on enhancing the Canada-India relationship. Goyal, currently in Canada for trade and investment discussions, met with International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu on Monday.
Expressing optimism for the future, Goyal emphasized the importance of the Canada-India relationship in the years ahead, noting mutual interest in achieving a free trade agreement by 2026. Trade negotiations between Canada and India began in 2010 but were halted in 2023 due to allegations from the Canadian government regarding India’s involvement in the assassination of a Sikh activist in Surrey, B.C.
Carney, who prioritized re-establishing ties with India upon assuming office in 2025, visited Mumbai and New Delhi in March, marking the first Canadian Prime Minister’s visit in eight years. The visit resulted in several agreements, including a substantial deal to supply uranium for nuclear energy generation and other commercial agreements valued at over $5.5 billion.
Goyal described Carney’s visit as a catalyst for transforming the Canada-India relationship, setting new agendas and goals for both nations. He emphasized the rapid progress and commitment from both sides to collaborate effectively.
In addition to striving for a free trade agreement by the end of the year, Goyal disclosed plans to triple trade between the two countries to $50 billion US by 2030. Accompanied by over 100 senior business figures from various sectors, Goyal’s delegation is the largest-ever business group from India to visit Canada.
Sidhu mentioned ongoing “WhatsApp diplomacy” between the countries, with Canada planning to send a delegation to India later this year to continue trade discussions. The government aims to expand economic partnerships with India, building on the current series of meetings.
Highlighting the government’s ambition, Sidhu revealed plans to finalize major trade agreements with Mercosur and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations before the year ends. Carney, known for his extensive international travel, has visited 25 countries on 17 trips since March 2025, underscoring Canada’s commitment to expanding global trade relationships.