Maninder Sidhu announces India trade mission, to lead Team Canada delegation

Canada's Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, has announced that he will lead a Team Canada Trade Mission to India from Oct. 12 to 17. According to the federal government, the mission is aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties while creating new opportunities for Canadian businesses in the Indian market.

Sidhu said Canada and India currently share approximately $31 billion in two-way trade. He said the federal government's goal is to double that figure by 2030. He added that India remains one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, offering significant opportunities for Canadian companies looking to expand their presence.

The minister also said negotiations toward a Canada–India Free Trade Agreement have reached an important stage. He expressed optimism that the agreement could be finalized by the end of 2026. No final agreement has been announced.

The federal government is encouraging Canadian businesses to apply to participate in the trade mission. According to the government, the delegation is intended to help strengthen commercial partnerships and expand investment opportunities between the two countries.

The announcement follows a recent visit to Canada by India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, who led one of the country's largest trade delegations. The upcoming mission to New Delhi is being positioned as the next step in advancing Canada–India economic relations.