As part of the Canadian International Council initiative: Foreign Policy By Canadians, CIC Victoria is conducting several Global Economy focused events to address the current state of Canada’s international trading relations and determine what strategic economic pivots might exist that will permit Canada to better safeguard its national interests.

With this in mind, Canada and India have longstanding bilateral relations built upon shared traditions of democracy, pluralism and strong interpersonal connections. Indeed, Canada is home to one of the largest South Asian communities abroad per capita, with approximately 5.6% of Canadians being of Indian heritage. Meanwhile, India has become one of the largest sources of international students for Canada’s universities, colleges and schools. And on the trade front, India is also Canada’s 9th largest export market, and 10th largest trading partner overall.
Now, with Canada-China relations at a low point, and with mounting China-US tensions, is looking to expand our trading relationship with India a viable option that might lessen Canada’s dependence on Xi Jinping’s China? What also are the domestic and global influences facing India, that present challenges and opportunities for Canada? This talk will explore these questions, as well as the current state of Canada’s trade relations with India and future prospects.

Speaker: Brian Parrott, Associate Faculty, Royal Roads University
Discussant: Stewart Beck, President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
Moderator: The Hon. Mary Collins, CIC Victoria