ICCC Hosts India’s High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik at First Signature Event of 2026, Advancing India-Canada Economic Relations
- Peeush Srivastava
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) began the new year by reaffirming its role at the forefront of India - Canada Economic Engagement, hosting a reception in Toronto in honour of India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik. Marking his first official visit to the Chamber, the gathering brought together senior diplomats, business leaders, and institutional stakeholders to reflect on the evolving bilateral relationship and chart pathways for deeper trade, investment, and business collaboration between the two countries.
Toronto, January 5, 2026
The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) commenced the new year by hosting a reception in honour of the High Commissioner of India to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, at its headquarters in Toronto, Canada. The event marked High Commissioner’s first official visit to the Chamber and reaffirmed the ICCC’s commitment to advancing Canada–India economic relations, bilateral trade, and investment cooperation through sustained, business-led engagement.
The reception brought together ICCC’s leadership, distinguished guests, senior diplomats, and Canada–India business leaders to reflect on the evolving India–Canada bilateral relationship and explore pathways for deeper collaboration amid changing global economic and geopolitical conditions.
The programme opened with the national anthems of Canada and India, followed by a land acknowledgment. Dr. Indira Khurana, the ICCC’s Vice President-Corporate Secretary, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the Chamber’s role as a critical bridge between business, policy, diplomacy, and economic diplomacy.
Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh, Acting Consul General of India in Toronto, addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of sustained institutional dialogue, trade diplomacy, and the growing role of bilateral trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) in strengthening India–Canada ties.
In his address, Prashant Srivastava, President of the ICCC, described the reception as a meaningful way to begin the Chamber’s 2026 Canada–India engagement calendar. He noted that India’s rapid economic growth, its long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, and ongoing reforms present significant opportunities for Canadian businesses investing in India, particularly in sectors such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), agritech, education, aviation, defence, and critical minerals.
Prashant Srivastava highlighted the ICCC’s continued efforts to maintain India–Canada economic engagement during challenging periods, including its successful Canada-to-India trade mission in 2024 and the expansion of global business partnerships. He also announced the ICCC’s proposed trade mission to India in March 2026, aimed at facilitating market access, B2B connections, and institutional linkages for Canadian enterprises exploring the Indian market.
Following an introduction by Dr. Khurana, Dinesh Patnaik, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, addressed the audience, sharing his perspectives on India–Canada diplomatic relations and underscoring the importance of business-to-business (B2B) and people-to-people ties in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Canada. A commemorative memento was presented to the High Commissioner by Prashant Srivastava.
The programme also included a presentation on the March 2026 India trade mission by Vikas Gupta, Director-International Trade, outlining opportunities for Canadian companies, startups, and investors to engage with India’s fast-growing economy, manufacturing ecosystem, and digital infrastructure.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks, an official photo opportunity, and a dinner hosted in honour of the High Commissioner of India to Canada and the Acting Consul General of India in Toronto.
The reception reinforced the ICCC’s position as a trusted convenor and strategic partner in advancing Canada–India trade, investment flows, and economic cooperation, as the Chamber looks ahead to a year of high-impact bilateral initiatives and preparations for its Golden Jubilee celebrations.
About the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC)
The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to fostering India–Canada economic, commercial, and professional ties. Since its establishment in 1977, the ICCC has served as a premier platform for businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals, providing advocacy, networking opportunities, and programmes that support bilateral trade, investment promotion, and economic collaboration. Through its strategic initiatives and community engagement, the ICCC continues to promote growth, innovation, and stronger Canada–India relations.
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