Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis engaged with a high-level Canadian delegation led by Foreign Minister Anita Anand during a meeting at his official residence, 'Varsha', in south Mumbai on Tuesday, underscoring the state's vast potential for bilateral economic collaboration. Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra's leadership in economic, industrial, and technological advancement, positioning it as an ideal hub for Canadian investors in sectors such as infrastructure, technology, education, and manufacturing. The discussions, aimed at elevating the India-Canada development partnership, come amid efforts to deepen ties strained by diplomatic tensions but buoyed by shared interests in innovation and trade.
Fadnavis emphasised Maharashtra's business-friendly policies and robust infrastructure, which have established it as a top destination for exports and foreign direct investment (FDI). With Mumbai serving as India's financial epicentre, industrial powerhouse, and startup capital, the state is poised to play a pivotal role in the nation's ambition to achieve a USD 5 trillion economy.
"The longstanding friendly relations between Canada and India are getting stronger. This is the right time for Canadian entrepreneurs and investors to explore the abundant opportunities in Maharashtra," Fadnavis stated. He spotlighted flagship projects like the recently inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport, designed to handle 90 million passengers annually and decongest the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, and the ambitious Edu-City initiative in Navi Mumbai, which aims to attract global universities and foster a world-class educational ecosystem through public-private partnerships.
Anand, on her part, hailed the engagement as a "symbol of renewed energy" in bilateral relations, identifying small modular reactor (SMR) technology as a key area for strategic collaboration. SMRs, compact nuclear power units that promise cleaner energy with reduced construction timelines and costs, align with India's push for sustainable development under the International Solar Alliance and Canada's expertise in clean tech exports.
"Maharashtra's contributions in data and technology have been particularly noteworthy. This visit marks an important milestone in the Canada-India partnership," Anand remarked. She stressed the duo's commitment to a "modern and forward-looking partnership" focused on job creation, high-quality education, and elevated living standards, envisioning mutual cooperation as a driver for inclusive growth.
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The meeting reflects a broader thaw in India-Canada relations following a 2023 diplomatic rift over allegations of foreign interference, with recent high-level dialogues—including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's June 2025 G7 summit interaction with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau—paving the way for renewed economic engagement.
Canada, India's 18th largest trading partner with bilateral trade exceeding CAD 10 billion in 2024, sees Maharashtra as a gateway for diversification beyond traditional sectors like agriculture and pharmaceuticals into high-tech domains. As both nations navigate global supply chain shifts, this outreach could unlock Canadian FDI inflows, building on the existing presence of firms like Bombardier in aerospace and Magna in automotive components. The dialogue sets the stage for tangible outcomes, potentially including joint ventures in green energy and digital infrastructure, reinforcing Maharashtra's status as a magnet for international capital.
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