27 February,2026 10:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed in Mumbai on Friday. PIC/ PTI
Upon arriving in India's financial capital, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, accompanied by his wife Diana Fox Carney, underscored the country's vast economic potential and described it as one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, reported ANI.
Taking to the social media platform X at the start of his first official visit to India, Carney highlighted the strategic significance of the trip for Canada's economic future and bilateral engagement.
"India is the world's fastest-growing major economy," he posted.
The Canadian leader, accompanied by a high-level delegation, outlined his immediate agenda in Mumbai, focusing on deepening commercial ties, reported ANI.
"We just arrived in Mumbai to meet business leaders and forge partnerships that will unlock new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses," he added.
Upon arrival at the airport on Friday, the delegation was received by Jaykumar Rawal, Maharashtra's Minister of Protocol and Marketing.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said the visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties.
Taking to X, Jaiswal wrote, "A warm welcome to Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada as he arrives in Mumbai on his first official visit to India. The visit marks a significant step in further strengthening India-Canada ties."
He added that the partnership is anchored in shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and expanding cooperation across diverse sectors.
This is the first visit by a Canadian head of government since the previous administration under Justin Trudeau, a period during which bilateral relations faced challenges.
The current visit signals renewed efforts to find common ground and enhance diplomatic and economic engagement.
According to a statement from the Canadian Prime Minister's Office, Carney is scheduled to meet leading corporate executives in Mumbai before travelling to New Delhi on March 2 for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reported ANI.
The statement said the leaders will focus on expanding partnerships in trade, energy, technology and artificial intelligence, talent and culture, and defence. Carney will also meet business leaders to identify investment opportunities and promote commercial partnerships.
In New Delhi, he will participate in the India-Canada CEOs' Forum.
The Canadian PMO noted that India was Canada's seventh-largest trading partner in 2024, with bilateral trade reaching USD 30.8 billion.
The visit builds on discussions held at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg last November, where Modi set a target of USD 50 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, the news agency reported.
Following that meeting, Modi wrote on X, "We have set a target of USD 50 billion by 2030 for our bilateral trade. Canadian pension funds are also showing keen interest in Indian companies."
He added that significant potential exists to further strengthen trade and investment ties.
The diplomatic engagement follows a recent meeting between Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Munich Security Conference, reported ANI.
A Canadian government release said it was their fifth meeting since September 2025, reflecting growing momentum in the relationship.
Minister Anand affirmed the shared technological benefits and partnership opportunities for businesses, industries and workers in both countries.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to expanding trade to support economic resilience and stability.
(With ANI inputs)
