The 7th India-Canada Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment (MDTI) took place in New Delhi, co-chaired by India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, Maninder Sidhu. The meeting signified a renewed phase of engagement between the two nations, aimed at reinvigorating bilateral trade and investment ties.
## Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The dialogue was held in line with the Joint Statement, “Renewing Momentum towards a Stronger Partnership” of October 13, 2025, which identified trade as the cornerstone of bilateral economic growth and resilience. The Ministers reaffirmed the enduring strength of the India-Canada relationship, anchored in shared democratic values, cultural diversity, and growing economic complementarities. The vibrant Indian diaspora of nearly 2.9 million and over 427,000 Indian students in Canada play a vital role in enriching both societies and serving as a bridge for deeper understanding, innovation, and economic collaboration.
The bilateral trade in goods and services between India and Canada stood at USD 18.38 billion in 2023. However, both nations are keen to further enhance their economic ties. The two Ministers welcomed the steady rise in two-way investments and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering an open, transparent, and predictable business environment that supports sustainable and inclusive growth.
## Fostering Economic Cooperation
The Ministerial Dialogue covered a wide-ranging agenda encompassing key areas of economic cooperation, including nutritional security, supply chain resilience, health sector cooperation, and investment facilitation. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral economic ties and advancing sectoral collaboration across priority domains. The ministers also reviewed recent trade policy developments, covering trade in goods and services, and exchanged views to enhance market access, promote regulatory alignment, and support long-term economic resilience.
## Enhancing Trade Relations
To enhance trade relations, the Ministers emphasized the need for cooperation in areas such as health sector cooperation and investment facilitation. They also highlighted the importance of promoting regulatory alignment and supporting long-term economic resilience. Additionally, the dialogue provided a platform for both nations to discuss ways to improve market access and promote trade in goods and services.
The outcome of the 7th India-Canada Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment is expected to have a positive impact on bilateral trade and investment ties. By reaffirming their commitment to fostering an open and transparent business environment, both nations are poised to take their economic partnership to the next level. As the Ministers concluded, they reaffirmed their shared vision to renew and revitalise the India-Canada economic partnership, grounded in mutual respect, trust, and a spirit of collaboration, translating today’s constructive discussions into tangible outcomes that advance shared prosperity and reflect the depth and dynamism of India-Canada relations.
