Canada optimistic about concluding trade talks with India by year-end, minister says

"I'm feeling very, very optimistic and energetic that we can get it done in the coming months," Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu ⁠in an interview during a visit to India's financial capital Mumbai.

Indian trade negotiators are expected to be in Canada next month and leaders from the two countries are likely to meet on the sidelines of the G-20 gathering in December, Sidhu said. One main area of discussion is the energy sector.

A Shell-led LNG export facility launched in Canada last year and the country has five more projects in various phases of development. "We're having conversations with Indian firms on how they can access ⁠those projects, but also how they can invest and secure supply in those projects," Sidhu said, declining to share further details.

Beyond liquefied natural gas, both countries are looking to expand cooperation in nuclear energy, where India is looking to significantly boost capacity. "Canada has a long ⁠history in the nuclear industry, and I do see a lot of benefit for Canadian companies and industries to help build up a supply chain here in India," Sidhu said.

Sidhu ⁠said, without giving any further details, that a number of large Indian business houses from Reliance Industries to Mahindra and Mahindra and the JSW Group ⁠are exploring investments in critical mineral projects in Canada as a way to secure supply chains. Companies are looking at ways to make co-investments as supply chains are getting weaponised, he said.