New Era for Indo-Canada Ties: Prashant Srivastava Takes Helm at ICCC with a Vision for the Next 50 Years
- Peeush Srivastava
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Toronto. November 14, 2025
The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) marked a defining moment on November 10, 2025, as members convened for a well-attended Annual General Meeting (AGM) that drew more than 100 ICCC members. The highlight of the evening was the election of Prashant Srivastava as the new President of the ICCC, ushering in a dynamic leadership team poised to guide the organization into its milestone 50th year.
A New Leadership Team for a New Era
At the AGM, leaders elected to serve two-year terms on the Board of Directors are Prashant Srivastava, Vinay Thapliyal, Alok Nagpal, Deepak Malik, Ajay Tandon, Sandeep Mamgain and Deepak Shamnani. The newly elected directors will join existing members Dr. Indira Khurana and Vikas Gupta, completing a nine-member board that reflects both continuity and fresh perspective.
In his first remarks as President, Prashant Srivastava expressed deep gratitude to the membership and paid tribute to outgoing President Chirag Shah, whose steadying leadership, he noted, had strengthened the Chamber’s credibility “during turbulent times.” Prashant reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Chamber’s mission, emphasizing that the coming year leading to the ICCC’s 50th anniversary offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Indo-Canadian collaboration.
A Vision Rooted in Growth, Inclusion, and Collaboration
President Prashant Srivastava outlined a forward-looking agenda anchored in four strategic priorities:
a. Empowering SMEs
Small and medium enterprises remain the backbone of the Indo-Canadian business corridor. Srivastava aims to expand SME access to new markets, high-quality mentorship, and capital, enabling entrepreneurs to scale, innovate, and participate more fully in global value chains.
b. Fostering Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Recognizing Canada’s growing South Asian youth demographic, Srivastava has committed to amplifying programs that nurture young innovators, support student entrepreneurs, and provide leadership pathways. His vision includes enhanced internship pipelines, youth accelerators, and partnerships with academic institutions.
c. Strengthening Government and Institutional Partnerships
Prashant stressed that strong collaboration with governments and trade bodies—across federal, provincial, and state levels—will be vital to reinvigorating Canada-India economic ties, particularly at a time of evolving geopolitical landscapes. Renewed partnerships, he said, will enable the ICCC to serve as an even more effective platform for trade missions, policy dialogue, and investment facilitation.
d. Upholding Diversity and Inclusion
Beyond representing Indo-Canadian businesses, Srivastava wants the ICCC to stand as a model of inclusive leadership—amplifying women, new immigrants, and diverse professional voices. “Diversity must be more than a principle. It must be a practice,” he emphasized.
The ICCC’s Role Amid Shifting Bilateral Relations
The Chamber’s role has been especially critical over the past several years as the Canada-India relationship navigated periods of uncertainty. Outgoing President Chirag Shah highlighted this in his farewell message:
“During turbulent times for our community and bilateral relations, we worked hard to maintain stability, protect institutional credibility, and ensure that ICCC remained a trusted voice for businesses and professionals.”
That credibility did not go unnoticed. Ambassador Sanjay Kumar Verma, former Indian High Commissioner to Canada, commended Shah’s leadership, noting that their interactions were always marked by “clarity, commitment, and a genuine interest in strengthening our ties.”
Prashant’s arrival signals continuity with this steady stewardship but also newfound momentum. He reiterated that the ICCC must remain a bridge that drives innovation, opportunity, and shared prosperity across both countries.
Kam Rathee, Chairman, Advisory Board, a renowned authority in Canada- India business relations, was elated at the election of Prashant Srivastava, as President and a new Board, and lauded the members for electing a young and dynamic Board. He said this Board has "fire in their belly" and will take ICCC , Canada's oldest and largest non- profit in the Canada- India business corridor to new heights .
A Foundation of Achievement
Prashant Srivastava steps into the presidency backed by a distinguished record of community engagement and cross-border collaboration. He has been recognized by The High Commissioner of India, The Government of Ontario and The Government of Canada
In 2024, he was named an “Influential Leader in Education” by Global Leaders Today, and in 2025 he received the Indian Achievers Award at the 67th National Conference on Mission Viksit Bharat 2047.
Beyond accolades, Prashant Srivastava has actively volunteered with non-profit and nonpartisan organizations that champion stronger global relationships, particularly in education and innovation.
Passing the Torch: A Message for the Future
Chirag Shah, concluding his term with grace and gratitude, offered poignant words for his successor and the new Board of Directors:
“Lead with courage, collaborate with openness, and remember that every decision you make shapes not just the next year but the next generation of ICCC. You have the opportunity to build, to inspire, and to elevate this institution to new heights. The community is ready to support you. The moment is yours.”
This spirit of mentorship and unity frames the transition not as an ending, but as a powerful new beginning.
Looking Ahead to the ICCC’s 50th Year
As the ICCC approaches its golden anniversary in 2026, the organization stands at the crossroads of history and opportunity. President Srivastava’s commitment to bold, inclusive leadership and pragmatic economic engagement positions the Chamber to play an even more influential role in shaping Indo-Canadian business, talent, and innovation ecosystems.
With a renewed mandate and a strong, diverse board, the ICCC enters its next chapter with confidence and a clear vision for the next 50 years.
The moment is indeed theirs. And the future of Indo-Canada collaboration looks brighter than ever.
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