Latest news with #Canada-IndiaBusinessCouncil
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Renewed optimism in Canada-India economic ties, says business council leader
Canadian investors and businesses are looking at India with renewed optimism against the backdrop of attempts by both countries to recondition their bilateral ties, said Victor T. Thomas, president and CEO of the Canada-India Business Council. 'The new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has certainly signalled the opportunity to engage with India, including inviting Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi to the G-7 Summit. In many ways, this was a reset in Canada-India relations, as trade diversification has been a major focus in Canada in 2025.' This gesture was more than symbolic — it demonstrated a strategic recognition of India's growing global economic importance. PM Carney's tone and early actions have re-established some trust on the India file and reignited some bilateral momentum. The business community sees this as an opportunity to rebuild and grow the commercial relationship and hopefully finally sign an Early Progress Trade Agreement after our closest allies, like Australia, and most recently, the U.K., have paved the way,' Mr. Thomas said. Mr. Thomas said that the business community is encouraged by recent signals arising from the meeting of the Prime Ministers and the move to restore the respective High Commissioners in Ottawa and New Delhi. India and Canada withdrew their respective High Commissioners in 2024, following allegations that Indian agents had orchestrated the killing of a Khalistani separatist in Canada. 'The business community values stability and predictability and has continued to make deals and stay active despite recent diplomatic challenges. These are encouraging signals for long-term business planning and I'm cautiously optimistic that relations will continue to improve,' said Mr. Thomas. According to Mr. Thomas, India presents enormous potential for Canadian firms looking to diversify beyond the U.S. market. Canada and the U.S. are locked in a trade war. 'Canadian companies already active in India are seeing real success, on the investment side of things, particularly in infrastructure and real estate. This year, investments from Canada into India — both direct and indirect — hovers around CA $100 billion! There are still many untapped opportunities to explore and with complementary strengths in sectors like agri-food, energy, education, and resources, there's far more we can achieve together,' he said.
Cision Canada
30-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canada-India Business Council Expands Advisory Council Amid Bilateral Reset
TORONTO, June 30, 2025 /CNW/ - In light of renewed momentum in Canada-India relations, the Canada-India Business Council (C-IBC) is expanding its Advisory Council, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Canada for the G7 Summit. This move underscores C-IBC's commitment to deepening bilateral commercial ties and strengthening the economic corridor between the two countries. The expanded Advisory Council features a distinguished group of senior executives and global leaders with deep sectoral expertise. As Canada and India move toward closer economic cooperation, the Advisory will inform C-IBC's strategic direction and support efforts to enhance investment and trade. "Prime Minister Modi's invitation and visit signifies a pivotal moment in the Canada–India relationship, and a timely opportunity to reframe our economic engagement," said Victor Thomas, President and CEO of the Canada-India Business Council. "India's trajectory toward becoming the world's third-largest economy requires that Canadian businesses seriously consider diversifying towards this significant growth market. Expanding the Advisory to include accomplished Indian business leaders will deepen our collective understanding of high-growth sectors and drive meaningful cross-border collaboration." Originally established four years ago, the Advisory Council has played a pivotal role in guiding C-IBC's initiatives and policy advocacy. Its expansion to include prominent Indian executives signals a new era of bi-national leadership—one that reflects shared priorities, complementary strengths, and a common ambition to shape the future of Canada–India economic relations. Founded in 1982, the Canada-India Business Council (C-IBC) is the premier organization dedicated to strengthening the bilateral economic relationship between Canada and India. The Council remains committed to playing a constructive role in facilitating executive dialogue, enabling strategic partnerships, and contributing to the long-term prosperity of both nations. SOURCE Canada-India Business Council
Hindustan Times
07-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Modi's G7 invite by Canada welcomed by industry
Toronto: Canadian industry groups and proponents of a reset in the relationship between Ottawa and New Delhi have welcomed the invitation extended by Prime Minister Mark Carney to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to attend the G7 leaders' summit in Alberta this month. The summit will be held from June 15-17 in Kananaskis, a resort in the province of Alberta. Carney called Modi on Friday to invite him to the global meet which is being chaired by Canada this year. Among those welcoming the invitation was Goldy Hyder, president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada. He said, 'Suffice to say we're pleased to see the invitation having been sent and accepted. Clear opportunity for a bilateral reset and a framework for next steps as discussions continue in coming months.' 'On the global front, it's important that democracies work in concert at a challenging and uncertain time like this,' Hyder added. That sentiment was echoed by Victor Thomas, president and CEO of the Canada-India Business Council, as he said, 'At a time of global uncertainty, it is more important than ever for government leaders to engage directly and constructively. Having Prime Minister Modi back in Canada, and India welcomed to participate at the G7 signals a powerful commitment to shared interests.' Vina Nadjibulla, vice-president Research and Strategy with the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada said inviting Modi was 'not a concession, but a strategic necessity' for 'Canada's own interests, for the credibility of the G7 and for a rules-based order now strained by Moscow, Beijing and Washington.' 'With diplomatic finesse and long-term vision, Canada can both defend its values and strengthen ties with India. A G7 invitation should be only the first step in that process,' she felt. Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) said the visit 'will mark a historic milestone in growing & strengthening Indo-Canadian ties'. Pro-Khalistan elements have opposed the visit, with the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) calling for protests at or near the venue. World Sikh Organisation (WSO) described the invitation as a 'betrayal.'
