Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has said Canada wants to support India’s economic growth through deeper cooperation in energy, critical minerals and aerospace.
Speaking on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee, Sidhu said India’s growing energy requirements and efforts to diversify supply chains offer significant opportunities for both countries.
Sidhu said India and Canada aim to increase bilateral trade from around 30 billion dollars to nearly 70 billion dollars within five years.
He said the fifth round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will begin in Ottawa on Monday, with both sides looking to conclude the talks in the coming months.
He also highlighted Canada’s potential as a major LNG and critical minerals supplier to India, particularly for electric vehicles and batteries.
The minister said the economic partnership should extend beyond trade to investments, research and collaboration.
He said Canada welcomes Indian investment in its mining and energy projects, while Canadian companies are already involved in infrastructure projects in India.
The two countries have completed four rounds of negotiations and are working towards concluding the trade agreement by the end of 2026.
