New Delhi, October 13 (Daily Kiran) : Canada’s High Commissioner to India, Christopher Kutcher, recently highlighted the unprecedented strength of relations between India and Canada. Speaking in New Delhi, he expressed optimism about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to Canada in early December, during which both nations aim to sign their first free trade agreement (FTA).
Kutcher emphasized the strong rapport between the two prime ministers, noting that they have met four times in just over a year. Ongoing discussions cover key areas such as energy, migration, and defense, with expectations for significant defense-related exchanges in the near future. In addition to Modi’s previous visit to India in March, at least six other Canadian ministers have also traveled to the country in the last year.
The High Commissioner stated that the FTA negotiations began earlier this year in March, and if finalized, it would be a swift agreement. Canada is actively diversifying its trade partnerships to reduce reliance on the United States. Given India’s robust economic growth and Canada’s shifting economic priorities, the two countries are well-positioned as complementary partners. This synergy is likened to two gears in a machine, where the acceleration of one benefits the other.
Next week, Canada’s trade minister will visit India, accompanied by a large delegation of 300 Canadian business representatives—potentially the largest business delegation Canada has ever sent to any country, and certainly the largest to India. This delegation will spend a week in India, visiting several cities in the southern region.
Kutcher noted that collaboration is growing not only at the government level but also in the private sector. Companies from both nations are exploring opportunities in each other’s markets. Canadian IT firms are establishing operations in India, while Indian companies are investing in Canada. Currently, Canadian firms employ around 100,000 people in India, particularly in IT and automotive sectors, while Indian companies provide jobs for approximately 50,000 individuals in Canada.
Next year marks the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Canada. Despite the ups and downs over the decades, there is now a momentum for partnership that both countries have long discussed. This partnership reflects the economic scale and growth potential of both nations.
There is still much work to be done, but the framework for cooperation between the governments is being established, and the business communities are gaining a better understanding of each other. Kutcher is confident that collaboration between India and Canada will accelerate significantly in the coming years.
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