Canada India Relations: Strengthening Economic and Strategic Ties – Reflections

Kam Rathee in his article to economicdiplomacy.in reflects on the renewed momentum in India Canada relations and key developments in trade, education, and strategic cooperation shaping the bilateral partnership, based on interactions during his recent visit to India.

By Kam Rathee

Efforts to promote Canada–India trade, investment, and services demand persistence and coordination on multiple fronts. My visit to India from September 17 to October 14, 2025, reinforced the sense that both nations are once again moving with purpose to rebuild and deepen their long-standing partnership.

Canada, to its credit, has acted swiftly and decisively in this renewed phase of engagement. The appointment of Christopher Cooter as the new High Commissioner to India marks a significant and thoughtful step. A seasoned diplomat with a strong background in trade including his tenure as Senior Trade Commissioner in the late 1990s Cooter combines diplomacy with business acumen. He will be supported by the newly appointed Minister (Commercial), Ed Jager, whose expertise in international trade will further strengthen Canada’s commercial footprint in India.

In a productive and wide-ranging meeting with High Commissioner Cooter, we discussed several initiatives to invigorate the Canada India economic corridor. The consensus was clear both countries must approach this renewed partnership with perseverance, sincerity, and sustained visibility, ensuring that “no grass grows under our feet.”

Canada’s Front-Foot Approach to Trade Engagement

Canada is clearly batting on the front foot in strengthening bilateral relations. This was exemplified by the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) sponsored Water and Wastewater Mission to India, which brought together Canadian companies with Indian industry leaders. Supported by Tata Steel and the Bengal Chamber of Commerce, an MoU partner of ICCC, the event successfully connected Canadian expertise with Indian opportunities.

Special acknowledgment is due to Arjun Kumar Dutta, a dedicated Trade Commissioner in Kolkata, whose efforts have rekindled a long-dormant commercial relationship. A few more such initiatives will be instrumental in restoring the robustness of Canada–India business engagement.

Engaging India’s Business and Policy Ecosystem

During my visit, I had the honour of participating in the 100th Centenary celebrations of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and its Annual Plenary on India@2047. The event convened over 1,100 delegates from 20 countries, with notable leaders such as G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal & Mines, Sanjiv Mehta, Executive Chairman, L. Carterton (formerly of Hindustan Unilever), and motivational speaker Gaur Gopal Das.

The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) has a special connection with the ICC. Earlier this year, in January 2024, we formalized an MoU between our organizations — a partnership that reflects our shared commitment to advancing Canada–India business cooperation.

Advancing Education Partnerships

Another highlight of my visit was attending the 20th FICCI Higher Education Summit (HES) 2025 in New Delhi — often described as India’s “Education Davos.” The summit, inaugurated by Minister Nitin Gadkari and organized by Rajesh Pankaj, Head of FICCI Education, brought together global education leaders.

Having co-founded the Canada India Education Council (CIEC) in 2007, I recall when Canada earned the distinction of being a “Country Partner” at the Summit — surpassing strong competitors such as Australia and the UK. Today, under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, foreign universities are being welcomed to establish campuses in India. While over two dozen foreign institutions have already begun this journey, Canada’s absence is notable. It is my sincere hope that Canadian universities will soon participate in this expanding education landscape.

Economics Must Lead the Way

In reflecting on the future of Canada–India relations, I am reminded of Napoleon’s adage, “An army marches on its stomach.” In modern terms economics must precede politics. This pragmatic approach is reflected in Canada’s recent appointments: Ed Jager, Minister (Commercial), and Ryan Ward, Counsellor (Commercial) & Senior Trade Commissioner, both of whom bring substantial experience and understanding of India. My meetings with them at the High Commission underscored the need to empower business chambers like ICCC to take a leading role in driving the economic corridor forward.

Engaging Thought Leaders and Policymakers

It was a privilege to meet Sanjay Kumar Verma, IFS, former Indian High Commissioner to Canada and now Chairperson of the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS). Our conversation touched upon the past turbulence in the bilateral relationship — once fondly referred to as “two peas in a pod.” Ambassador Verma’s optimism about a brighter dawn ahead is a reminder that wise nations learn from missteps and seek renewal through cooperation.

Another meaningful engagement was with Pahle India Foundation, a premier policy think tank founded by Dr. Rajiv Kumar, former Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog. I was honoured to attend the launch of his book, Everything All At Once, co-authored with Ishan Joshi, in the presence of Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Sarsanghchalak, and other distinguished guests including Prof. Mahendra Dev, Sunil Kant Munjal, and Ashish Dhawan. The book’s theme — India and the Six Simultaneous Global Transitions — captures the spirit of the times and the opportunities that lie ahead for partners like Canada.

Looking Ahead

As Canada and India recalibrate their partnership, the message is clear: the time for action is now . Trade, education, and innovation must drive the relationship — building an enduring bridge between two great democracies. Through the combined efforts of policymakers, trade commissioners, and business chambers like the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), the momentum gained in recent months can translate into tangible outcomes.

An adage says, “where there is a will, there is a way”. Having learnt from recent missteps, the will has been resurrected, the way has been shown by the recent visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Anita Anand, to India and forays into India by Canadian missions and well wishers like ICCC.

In the spirit of shared growth — let no grass grow under our feet.

Kam Rathee is a leading authority on Canada – India business relations and Chair of the Advisory Board of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. With decades of experience spanning law, international trade, and corporate strategy, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening economic and educational ties between the two countries. Through his consultancy, Rathee and Associates Inc., and past leadership roles at Canada Life, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, and the Canada–India Business Council, Rathee continues to be a key voice in the Canada–India corridor.

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