India, Canada Eye Greater Collaboration In Critical Minerals, Clean Energy & Emerging Tech

New Delhi, Nov 24 (KNN) India has signalled strong prospects for deeper cooperation with Canada across critical minerals, clean energy, nuclear energy and emerging technologies. 

Addressing the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber in New Delhi, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the two countries possess complementary strengths that can significantly expand trade and investment. 

He added that India’s capabilities in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, machine learning and next-generation data infrastructure, supported by a large pool of STEM graduates, create major opportunities for collaboration.

Goyal noted that the bilateral partnership remains anchored in mutual trust and shared democratic values. 

He said recent discussions between Prime Minister Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the G20 Summit reaffirmed the commitment to fast-track negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and to work toward doubling bilateral trade by 2030. 

According to him, CEPA would enhance investor confidence and provide a structured mechanism for resolving outstanding issues.

The Minister highlighted India’s clean energy expansion, including 250 GW of renewable energy within a 500 GW national power grid. 

He added that India’s target of achieving 500 GW of clean energy by 2030 positions the country as a reliable provider of competitive, round-the-clock green power, particularly for AI-driven infrastructure.

Goyal said Canadian investments—especially through pension funds—continue to increase, reflecting confidence in the Indian market. 

He also noted that both sides, during the seventh Ministerial Dialogue held earlier this month, agreed to reinvigorate business exchanges and explore mutual trade delegations.

Outlining a five-point plan to strengthen ties, he called for actionable sectoral roadmaps, revitalisation of the CEO Forum, joint innovation, and Canadian participation in India’s upcoming AI Summit. 

He identified critical minerals, clean energy, aerospace, defence and manufacturing as priority areas, stressing that combining Canadian technology with Indian scale could yield substantial benefits.

Goyal invited Canadian businesses to partner in India’s growth trajectory as the country progresses toward its 2047 development goals, stating that India offers a stable and opportunity-rich environment for long-term collaboration.

(KNN Bureau)