B.C. premier announces trade mission to India

B.C.’s premier has announced a plan to continue expanding the province’s trade partnerships in Asia.

Speaking at a media event in Vancouver Tuesday morning, Premier David Eby and Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth Ravi Kahlon said they will travel to India together next week.

The announcement comes after provincial officials spent 2025 travelling overseas to sign off on trade deals, working to reduce B.C.’s dependence on the United States.

In June, the premier visited Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia with Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham and Parliamentary Secretary Paul Choi.

“I’m very much looking forward to being able to meet with companies and with government officials across India,” said Eby on Tuesday. “This is a continuation of our work to diversify markets, most recently on a trade mission to Asia. Our second trip to Asia to deepen those relationships and that has resulted in significant projects coming forward in British Columbia.”

Between the two of them, Eby and Kahlon will visit New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru.

Kahlon says India is on track to become the third-largest economy in the world and bilateral trade between the country and B.C. was worth $2.1 billion in 2024 –representing a quarter of Canada’s exports to India.

“That’s a strong foundation for us to build on, and this mission will help us unlock opportunities in forestry… in clean energy, sustainable resources and innovation areas,” said Kahlon.

In November, Eby and Kahlon announced the province’s new ‘Look West’ strategy, which includes a focus on “building pathways to international trade” and “diversifying markets.”

Eby said the strategy will help B.C. face economic unpredictability amid the trade war with the U.S. and “attacks” from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Diplomatic relations between Canada and India soured considerably in 2024 after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the Indian government was involved in the assassination of Surrey Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

When asked about Canada’s relationship with India, Eby said the federal government is fulfilling its “proper role,” managing issues of shared concerns with the nation.

“Our proper role as a sub-national government, as a province, is to ensure we’re looking after British Columbians, and in a moment of opportunity and warming relations with India, to ensure that we’re benefiting from that. Delivering jobs for British Columbians. Particularly in sectors that have been particularly hard hit by Trump’s tariffs, like the softwood industry,” said Eby.

“It is important work that’s happening at the federal level. The criminal process will continue. And for our part, our engagement with sub-national governments and leaders and companies in India is an important part of looking after British Columbians as well.”

Eby and Kahlon are expected to visit India from Monday, Jan. 12, to Saturday, Jan. 17.

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