Wishing you and Your Loved Ones a Very Happy Diwali!

Hello friends.

I’ve just returned from beautiful British Columbia, where the Canada India Foundation hosted a grand Diwali celebration alongside BCIBN’s 10th Anniversary. Just days before Diwali, when light begins to push away the shadows, we witnessed communities coming together with a shared resolve to move forward toward hope and healing. Over the past year, many in our Indo-Canadian community have endured a deep sense of strain – their unwavering loyalty to Canada and strong emotional connection to India tested as relations between the two nations faced challenges. But today, the light feels like it’s returning. This year, the Festival of Lights shines brighter, warmer, and more meaningful, reminding us that even after the darkest times, unity and goodwill can prevail.

At last, there’s a fresh wind of friendship and cooperation between Canada and India. Recent developments clearly show both nations turning the page and choosing dialogue, trust, and partnership over division. This moment deserves applause on both sides. We must commend the leadership in Ottawa and New Delhi for the maturity, empathy, and foresight that have made this renewed understanding possible.

Recently, the CIF members had met with India’s High Commissioner, H.E. Dinesh Patnaik, in Toronto. Though he was just days into his new role, he seemed to be brimming with hope and enthusiasm. He clearly sees the tremendous potential of this relationship if managed with sincerity. He shared his views with us on staying positive through challenges and building a resilient, stable, and mutually respectful relationship between both countries.

We hope that our own High Commissioner to India, Christopher Cooter, entrusted with a crucial file to advance Canada’s interest in India will be equally upbeat about the possibilities. We at CIF want to convey our best wishes to Mr. Cooter on his new assignment and look forward to meeting with him on my next trip to India.

This past week was the week of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister in India, Anita Anand. As an original daughter of India, the red carpet rolled out for her was long and plush. She was welcomed with respect and friendship by Indian leaders, meeting with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar; India’s Minister of Commerce, Piyush Goyal and yes, none other than the Prime Minister himself, Narendra Modi. Minister Goyal also had a substantial telephonic conversation with our own Minister of International Trade, Hon. Maninder Sidhu.

Following the meeting with Minister Anand, S. Jaishankar stated: “We also agreed on an ambitious cooperation roadmap. And to shepherd the process of rebuilding our cooperation so that it delivers on the expectation of our leaders and the interests of our people.”

The joint statement mentions several priorities that both countries will focus on in the coming months. These points, if you study them carefully, take into account not only the potential but also acknowledges the sensitivities of each country.

The meeting that set off the current round of fruitful negotiations began when the Prime Ministers of Canada and India met at Kananaskis during the G-20 Summit where both sides agreed on the need for mutual respect for shared democratic values, the rule of law, and a commitment to upholding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On the current volume of bilateral trade that rose to $23.66 billion in 2024, the Statement noted: “Reviving this partnership will not only create opportunities for enhanced economic cooperation but also help mitigate vulnerabilities arising from shifting global alliances, ensure more reliable supply chains, and reinforce strategic stability in an increasingly complex international environment.” They also highlighted the role of Canadian Provinces, six of them, that maintain trade and liaison offices in India.

Both countries have agreed to resume the Canada India CEO Forum to encourage actionable recommendations for both governments to attract investment in priority sectors like clean technology, infrastructure, agri-food, and digital innovation.

Early initiatives will include:

• Relaunch the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee.
• Foster mutually beneficial partnerships to expand access to AI for everyone.
• Encourage Canadian AI companies and researchers to participate in India’s forthcoming AI Impact Summit from February 19 to 20, 2026.
• Explore opportunities for cooperation in digital public infrastructure.

Significantly, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in education, tourism, cultural exchange, and professional mobility. Early initiatives in this regard will include:

• Refreshed collaboration in higher education and research to reflect the increasingly deep talent pools and cutting-edge research in each country.
• Emphasis on research partnerships in emerging technologies (such as AI, cybersecurity, and fintech), and to expand Canadian academic presence in India through overseas campuses.
• Revitalized Joint Working Group on Higher Education to further expand Canada–India academic networks and institutional ties.

There are many more areas of cooperation that find mention in the statement like joint development of energy infrastructure, climate action plans, and mining of critical minerals.

In other words, for those of us engaged in the bilateral space, the news is “absolutely sweet music to our ears”. Canada India Foundation is thrilled at this turn of events in our bilateral relationship and will strive to support and strengthen the initiatives in whichever capacity we can.

I can say with confidence after several conversations within the community that an overwhelming majority have welcomed the renewal of friendly ties. At the same time, we must remind ourselves that there is still a tiny section out there, who have seen their plans turn into dust and will be looking for ways to throw a wrench in. We must guard against their machinations and remain united and not overreact and fall into their traps. We all benefit when we are united and pose a joint front in defence of the Indo Canadians and the Canada India bilateral. Those of you who can and have the time must engage with your MPs, MPPs and let them know how you feel so that they are sensitized to your feelings and withdraw support for the extremists.

India has already invited our Prime Minister, Mark Carney, to the AI Summit they will host in February of 2026. Among the most important AI players in the world, India ranks third already as major industry leaders recognize the tremendous talents available in India. Canada should seize this opportunity to strike collaborations with Indian companies for joint capital allocation and talent development to build the AI enterprises of the future.

This past week was special for the billion plus people across the world as we celebrated the festival of light, Diwali. The significance of Diwali is the triumph of light over darkness. And some might consider what has just happened in the bilateral as nothing short of a similar ending.

Thank You!