World Trade Center Mumbai Hosts Canadian Delegation to Strengthen India–Canada Trade Ties

The World Trade Center Mumbai, in association with the All India Association of Industries (AIAI), hosted a Business Roundtable with a Canadian trade delegation led by the Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (ICCC). The event was held at Centrum Hall and focused on discussions around strengthening economic engagement between India and Canada. Representatives from both countries highlighted opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment.

The World Trade Center Mumbai, together with the All India Association of Industries (AIAI), organised a Business Roundtable with a Canadian Trade Delegation led by the Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (ICCC). The meeting took place at Centrum Hall in Mumbai and brought together representatives from business and government to discuss economic engagement between India and Canada.

Mr. Andrew Maharaj, Senior Trade Commissioner and Consul at the Consulate General of Canada, stated that India–Canada relations are entering what he described as a “phase of reconstruction and acceleration.” He said both countries are working to rebuild economic momentum and are aiming to expand bilateral trade to nearly USD 70 billion by 2030.

Referring to discussions between Canadian Prime Minister Mr. Mark Carney and Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, Mr. Maharaj noted that the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) could provide a framework for expanding trade and investment between the two countries.

He identified sectors where Canada is interested in expanding cooperation with India, including energy, artificial intelligence, MSMEs, mining, technical education and innovation-led industries. Mr. Maharaj also referred to the USD 2.6 billion uranium and nuclear cooperation agreement between the two countries. He noted that as India works to increase its clean energy capacity from 200 GW to 500 GW, collaboration in critical minerals such as lithium and nickel will become increasingly significant.

According to Mr. Maharaj, Canadian investment funds are monitoring India’s economic growth, with potential investments projected to reach USD 100 billion by 2030 across infrastructure and other strategic sectors. Addressing issues raised by industry representatives regarding visa processes, he said Canada is working to streamline procedures to support business travel, industry collaboration and student mobility.

Mr. Prashant Srivastava, President of the Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), said the current trade mission takes place at a time when both countries are looking to rebuild economic engagement after nearly five years of limited interaction.

“This mission focuses on emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, technology and startups, while also strengthening collaboration in traditional areas including agriculture and agri-food, education and skill development, hospitality and tourism,” he said.

During the event, the World Trade Center Mumbai and the Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement aims to support cooperation in trade facilitation, business delegations, knowledge exchange and industry engagement between India and Canada.

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of the World Trade Center Mumbai and President of the All India Association of Industries, said bilateral trade between India and Canada currently stands at approximately USD 13 billion, with scope for further expansion.

“As India continues its strong economic momentum and is expected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2026, new opportunities are emerging in sectors such as energy, education, skilled workforce mobility, technology and tourism,” he said.

Dr. Kalantri also noted that Canada continues to attract Indian businesses and investors, while several Canadian pension funds are evaluating investment opportunities in India’s infrastructure and growth sectors.

“Education and talent mobility remain important pillars of bilateral engagement, with more than 700,000 Indian students pursuing higher education in Canada,” he noted.

Capt. Somesh Batra, Chairman of the World Trade Center Mumbai, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed appreciation to the Canadian delegation and industry participants for their participation in the discussions on strengthening economic ties between the two countries.