- Goyal Highlights India’s Growth Story and Market Opportunities in Canada*

- Holds Discussions with Carney on Strengthening India-Canada Bilateral Relations*

Ottawa, May 26 (H.S.): India and Canada have indicated a fresh initiative towards rebuilding and strengthening their economic ties. Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal stated that both nations are considering concluding negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year. Goyal expressed confidence that India and Canada could triple their bilateral trade to 50 billion dollars by 2030. He also underlined the objective of finalising the long-pending Free Trade Agreement before the close of this year.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Goyal wrote that both countries are working towards elevating trade and strategic partnership to new heights.

Goyal highlighted India’s remarkable growth journey and the immense opportunities available in the Indian market during a reception hosted by Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu. He also appreciated the meaningful discussions held in Ottawa and praised the contribution of the Indian diaspora in strengthening deeper ties across sectors such as the economy and culture.

Goyal stated, “I spoke about India’s extraordinary growth journey, driven by the aspirations of its people, a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, an immense talent pool, and vast market opportunities.”

Earlier, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations. He also expressed optimism regarding the early conclusion of the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Goyal said that he conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm greetings to Canadian Prime Minister Carney. He fondly recalled Carney’s recent visit to India, which, according to him, had infused fresh momentum and renewed confidence into the India-Canada partnership.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is on a three-day official visit to Canada from May 25.

Relations between India and Canada had turned strained in 2023 after the government of then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India in connection with the killing of Khalistani Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar