Sidhu Leads Canadian Trade Mission to India for Free Trade Talks

International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is leading nearly 300 Canadian delegates to India on Oct. 12, 2026, as Ottawa works to conclude a free-trade agreement with New Delhi by the end of the year through meetings in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

According to Global Affairs Canada, the mission includes companies from aerospace, clean technologies, energy transition, information and communication technology, life sciences, and agri-food sectors. Canada and India recorded $30.4 billion in two-way goods and services trade in 2025.

Sidhu said the delegation is the largest Canadian trade mission to India in more than 30 years and is focused on creating commercial opportunities.

"They are coming to meet new customers, secure commercial opportunities and build partnerships that create more good-paying jobs here at home." Sidhu said.

The minister highlighted India's expanding aviation and energy needs as areas where Canadian industries could contribute.

"India is building at enormous scale and Canadian companies are ready to step up." Sidhu said.

Sidhu said India will need more than 2,000 aircraft in coming years and that electricity demand is expected to grow 70 per cent by 2035.

"Canada is advancing major energy projects like LNG Canada Phase 2 and Pacific Link, positioning us to help meet that growing demand." Sidhu said.

The trade mission comes as Canada and India continue efforts to rebuild economic ties after negotiations were suspended in 2023. Prime Minister Mark Carney made resetting relations with India a priority after taking office in 2025.

"At the same time, Indian companies are choosing Canada. They have already created nearly 36,000 jobs across our country." Sidhu said.

Sidhu is also scheduled to advance trade negotiations during a meeting with India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Canada and India have been in trade talks since 2010.