New Delhi, November 12, 2025 – Canada’s international trade minister, Maninder Sidhu, arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday as part of a three-day visit to India aimed at deepening trade and investment relations between the two countries. Sidhu is scheduled to travel to Visakhapatnam on November 14 to participate in the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Partnership Summit.

The visit comes at a time when India-Canada relations are being actively rebuilt following a diplomatic fallout two years ago. During his trip, Sidhu will underscore Ottawa’s commitment to expanding commercial ties with India, particularly in high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean technology, digital industries, and agriculture. He is expected to explore opportunities for collaboration that benefit workers and businesses in both countries.

Trade and Investment Opportunities

Two-way trade between Canada and India reached $30.9 billion in 2024, reflecting a steady growth trajectory. Sidhu emphasized that the potential for further expansion remains significant. “This visit to India will reinforce Canada’s commitment to diversifying our trade relationships and attracting new investment. As one of the fastest-growing major economies, India offers significant opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers,” he said.

The Canadian government views India as a key partner in strengthening economic links within the Indo-Pacific region under its comprehensive regional strategy. Sidhu’s agenda includes advancing cooperation in energy, clean technology, AI, and agriculture, while also focusing on building more resilient and secure supply chains between the two countries.

Context of the Visit

Sidhu’s visit follows closely after Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s trip to Canada to attend an outreach session of the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting. During that visit, Jaishankar held bilateral discussions with his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand. The two sides welcomed the progress on the “New Roadmap 2025,” a strategic plan aimed at normalising relations that were strained after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2023 accusation linking Indian government agents to the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—a claim India dismissed as “absurd.”

In recent months, both countries have taken steps to restore bilateral relations, including appointing high commissioners in each other’s capitals and unveiling the roadmap to rebuild trust and cooperation. Sidhu’s visit is expected to reinforce these efforts by focusing on mutually beneficial trade and investment initiatives.

Visit to Visakhapatnam

On November 14, Sidhu will travel to Visakhapatnam to attend the CII Partnership Summit. The summit will provide a platform for Canadian and Indian business leaders to explore joint ventures, investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships in emerging industries, particularly in the areas of clean energy, digital technology, and sustainable infrastructure.

Officials from the Canadian high commission stated that the visit aims to create a “win-win” scenario for both nations, unlocking commercial potential while strengthening people-to-people and institutional ties.

Looking Ahead

As India continues to emerge as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Canada is keen to leverage opportunities in sectors that promise high economic and technological returns. Sidhu’s visit is expected to pave the way for new collaborations, investment projects, and trade agreements that align with the long-term strategic and commercial interests of both nations.

The visit also signals a clear intent on both sides to move beyond past diplomatic tensions and focus on practical cooperation in areas that can deliver tangible benefits for industries, workers, and citizens of both countries.