Miscellaneous

India and Canada aim to enhance economic relations amid tensions.

India and Canada are actively seeking to revitalize their economic ties, as highlighted by a recent meeting between Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu. This dialogue emphasizes the need for a mutually beneficial partnership grounded in principles of trust and respect, particularly in emerging sectors such as clean technology, artificial intelligence, and agriculture. The discussions come against the backdrop of stalled free trade agreement negotiations, which were paused in 2023 due to diplomatic tensions following allegations from former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar—claims India firmly dismissed. Despite these tensions, trade figures show resilience, with Indian exports to Canada increasing by 9.8% to $4.22 billion in 2024-25, while imports declined slightly. The upcoming visit of Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to India marks a potential thaw in relations, as both nations aim to rebuild trust through trade diplomacy and possibly advance the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA). This renewed engagement signals a pragmatic approach to overcoming past disputes, highlighting the importance of economic collaboration in fostering bilateral relations and regional stability.

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