Canada has launched its largest trade mission to India in more than three decades, with nearly 300 Canadian business delegates travelling to Mumbai and Bengaluru to explore commercial opportunities, attract investment and strengthen bilateral economic ties. The mission comes as both countries work towards advancing negotiations on a proposed trade agreement by the end of the year.
Led by Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, the Team Canada Trade Mission will run from October 12 to 17. According to Global Affairs Canada, the delegation will engage with Indian decision-makers, industry leaders and potential business partners to expand commercial relations and develop new partnerships.
Sidhu said the mission aims to connect Canadian expertise with India’s growing market demand, creating opportunities for businesses and workers in both countries. Canada is targeting more than a doubling of its trade with India to 70 billion Canadian dollars by 2030 as part of its broader effort to diversify international trade and attract new investment.
The delegation includes companies from several key sectors, including aerospace and space, clean technology, energy transition, information and communication technology, life sciences and agri-food. Forestry and wood products are also among the mission’s priority areas. The programme includes business-to-business meetings, site visits and briefings organised through Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service.
The visit follows the fifth round of negotiations on the Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, held in Ottawa from October 5 to 9. Neither government has announced the outcome of that round of talks. The proposed agreement is expected to provide a framework for expanding trade and investment between the two economies.
Sidhu previously met India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee on October 1. The two ministers reviewed progress in the trade negotiations, signalling continued engagement between the governments on strengthening economic relations.
According to Canadian government figures, bilateral trade in goods and services between Canada and India totalled 30.4 billion Canadian dollars in 2025. Canadian merchandise exports to India stood at 3.9 billion Canadian dollars, with vegetables, mineral fuels and oils, and wood pulp among the leading products. Imports from India reached 9.7 billion Canadian dollars, led by precious stones and metals, machinery and pharmaceutical products.
Investment flows also remain significant. Canadian direct investment in India reached 11.4 billion Canadian dollars in 2025, while Indian direct investment in Canada stood at 9.7 billion Canadian dollars. Canadian pension funds and asset managers also reported approximately 108 billion Canadian dollars in total exposure to India during the year, according to Export Development Canada.
For Ottawa, expanding trade with India forms part of a wider strategy to reduce dependence on the United States as its principal export market. Canada has faced trade tensions with the Trump administration and is seeking stronger commercial relationships across other international markets.
For New Delhi, the mission comes as India pursues trade negotiations with multiple partners and seeks to broaden export opportunities, attract foreign investment and strengthen its position in global supply chains.
India-Canada relations deteriorated sharply in 2023 but have since seen efforts towards a diplomatic and economic reset under Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The latest trade mission represents a significant business-focused step in that process.
The success of the visit will depend on whether discussions translate into concrete commercial partnerships, increased investment and progress on the proposed trade agreement. With both countries seeking to expand market access and diversify their economic relationships, the mission could help establish a stronger foundation for future bilateral trade.
