Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu held talks with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on 13 November 2025. The meeting advanced Canada India rebuild ties after diplomatic tensions since 2023. Focus areas included aerospace, artificial intelligence, and agriculture. Bilateral trade hit $30.9 billion in 2024. This step addresses who, what, when, where, why, and how of renewed partnership.
Why This Matters for South Asia
Canada India rebuild ties carries weight beyond bilateral gains. South Asia stands to benefit from diversified supply chains and tech transfers. Indian investments in Canadian critical minerals could fuel regional energy transitions. Amid US tariff threats, stable trade corridors bolster economic security for 1.9 billion people. This pivot from confrontation to cooperation eases geopolitical pressures on the subcontinent.
Canada Trade Minister India Visit Sidhu Sparks Momentum
Maninder Sidhu arrived in India on 11 November 2025 for a three-day visit. Ottawa invited him to deepen commercial links. He co-chaired the 7th India-Canada Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment. Discussions covered investment promotion and sector-specific opportunities.
Sidhu stressed shared potential. “This visit reinforces Canada’s commitment to diversifying trade relationships,” he said. “India offers significant opportunities for Canadian businesses. Bilateral trade surpassed $30 billion in 2024.” He highlighted clean technology and digital industries.
Piyush Goyal echoed the sentiment. The dialogue formed part of the India Canada New Roadmap 2025 framework. “We discussed avenues to strengthen bilateral trade, promote investments, and deepen cooperation,” Goyal posted on X. Photos showed the ministers shaking hands amid charts of trade flows.
Trade data underscores urgency. India ranks as Canada’s seventh-largest partner. Merchandise exchanges reached $8.98 billion in 2024, up 10 per cent year-on-year. Services added the rest. Officials aim to double figures by 2030 through targeted pacts.
Sidhu’s itinerary extended beyond Goyal. He met Hari Bhartia of Jubilant Bhartia Group on pharmaceuticals and infrastructure. Talks with Air Canada executives pushed for better air links. In Visakhapatnam on 14 November, Sidhu attended the Confederation of Indian Industry Partnership Summit.
Piyush Goyal Anita Anand Bilateral Talks Align Broader Agenda
Parallel efforts involved Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand. She reviewed progress with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar under the India Canada New Roadmap 2025. The plan outlines steps to rebuild ties based on mutual respect and rule of law.
Anand hosted Jaishankar at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Niagara earlier this month. “We discussed cooperation on trade, energy, security, and people-to-people ties,” Anand stated on X. Piyush Goyal’s trade focus complements Anand’s diplomatic push. Sources indicate coordination to align economic and foreign policy goals.
The New Roadmap 2025 emerged from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s June 2025 meeting with Narendra Modi at the G7 summit in Alberta. It designates new high commissioners and restores visa services. Anand congratulated Jaishankar on G7 hosting while reaffirming commitments.
Joint statements emphasise long-term supply chains. Canada seeks Indian funds for mining and battery infrastructure. India eyes Canadian LNG and nuclear expertise to meet 70 per cent energy growth targets.
Key Sectors Drive Canada India Rebuild Ties
Aerospace tops the list. Canadian firms like Bombardier eye joint ventures. AI collaboration promises innovation hubs. Sidhu noted, “We focused on areas of opportunity, aerospace, AI, critical minerals, energy, agriculture.”
Critical minerals form a cornerstone. Canada holds vast reserves. India needs them for electric vehicles. Officials pledged sustained engagements for early 2026. Energy talks with Minister Puri covered LNG, hydrogen, and nuclear power.
Agriculture features prominently. Exports of pulses and lentils from Canada to India exceed $2 billion annually. New deals could expand to processed foods.
Digital industries round out priorities. Both nations commit to secure data flows. This aligns with India’s digital public infrastructure and Canada’s tech ecosystem.
Background: From Tensions to Thaw
Relations soured in June 2023 over the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cited Indian links. New Delhi rejected claims. Diplomats faced expulsions. Visa services halted. Trade talks stalled.
Mark Carney’s 2025 leadership shifted gears. His G7 sidelines chat with Modi set reconciliation. High commissioners returned. Public services resumed. The Canada trade minister India visit Sidhu marks the first major economic outreach. India’s economy, growing at 7 per cent, attracts global partners. Canada’s diversification strategy counters US dependencies. Together, they navigate Trump-era tariffs.
What’s Next for India Canada New Roadmap 2025
Follow-up dialogues schedule for Q1 2026. Trade communities engage soon. Investment summits target $5 billion inflows. Monitoring mechanisms track progress on supply chains.
Anita Anand plans a Delhi trip in February. Piyush Goyal eyes Toronto for investor forums. These steps embed the India Canada New Roadmap 2025 into action. Canada India rebuild ties now promises tangible gains. Ministers vow resilient partnerships. Shared prosperity awaits as both nations turn the page on past frictions.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 14th, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram, and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
