Canada is taking new steps to rebuild its trading relationship with India after several years of strained diplomacy, according to a report from Al Jazeera. International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu arrived in New Delhi for a three day visit focused on reviving economic cooperation between the two countries. His trip marks one of the most senior Canadian trade missions to India since bilateral negotiations collapsed in 2023. Ottawa paused discussions at the time due to allegations that the Indian government was linked to the killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India strongly denied any involvement, which led to both sides expelling diplomats and India suspending visa services for Canadian travellers.
Minister Sidhu told Reuters that he met with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and described their discussion as productive. He said the two countries reviewed collaborative opportunities in aerospace, artificial intelligence, energy, agriculture, and the rapidly expanding field of critical minerals. This renewed outreach is part of the Carney government’s broader effort to improve ties with India after a difficult period. Readers can find further context on Canada’s international policy direction at https://www.weeklyvoice.com. The minister also expressed interest in attracting more Indian investment into Canadian resource development and major infrastructure.
The diplomatic freeze began under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who stated that Canadian intelligence suggested credible links between India and Nijjar’s assassination in British Columbia. Although New Delhi rejected the accusation, the fallout created a lengthy period of mistrust. Since taking office, Prime Minister Mark Carney has pushed for a more stable partnership with India while maintaining Canada’s long standing position on sovereignty and the rule of law. Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an early meeting during the G7 summit in Alberta, where they agreed to appoint new high commissioners and work toward restoring normal consular services. This renewed contact aligns with Canada’s larger strategic goal of strengthening relationships across Asia as outlined in several policy reports featured at https://www.weeklyvoice.com/category/canada.
Thursday’s conversations in New Delhi took place during a period of economic uncertainty triggered by United States President Donald Trump’s steep new tariffs. Both Canada and India are managing the ripple effects from those measures, particularly in manufacturing and technology supply chains. Sidhu told Reuters that Canada is encouraging India to expand its role in North American critical mineral production, noting that Canada holds the resources needed for a full electric vehicle battery supply chain. He highlighted that Indian investment could play a key role in accelerating new mining projects and large scale infrastructure.
Canada’s attempt to rebuild ties with India reflects a broader realignment in global trade as major countries respond to shifting power dynamics and protectionist policies. For Ottawa, engagement with India offers economic potential in sectors that align with long term national strategies, including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation. For New Delhi, closer ties with Canada provide access to resources and financial partnerships that support India’s growing industrial ambitions. As both countries navigate changing global conditions, the success of this renewed dialogue will depend on their ability to move past recent tensions and focus on shared economic priorities.
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