January 16, 2025
Parteek Singh Mahal
As part of a high-stakes trade mission to India, British Columbia Premier David Eby held a high-level meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday in Chandigarh. The discussion focused on forging strategic partnerships across key sectors, including agriculture, education, and technology.
In a statement released on social media, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirmed the meeting with Premier Eby and his high-level delegation. “Discussions were held regarding working together in agriculture, education, technology, and other sectors,” Mann stated. He further emphasized the shared goal of increasing investment and trade between Punjab and Canada, extending a formal invitation to the Canadian delegation to attend the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026, scheduled for March 13–15 in Mohali.
Premier Eby, accompanied by Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth Ravi Kahlon, highlighted the strategic necessity of the mission. Speaking a day prior, Eby remarked that finding new trade partners is “critical” to protecting the standard of living for British Columbians, especially as the province navigates the fallout of the ongoing trade war with the United States.
The premier and a delegation from the province is in the middle of a week-long trade mission which will see them travel across the country.
The premier said he spoke to India’s energy minister, giant conglomerates like Tata and Reliance, and oil companies like Indian Oil and Hindustan Petroleum.
Experts view this diplomatic push as a pivotal effort for Canada, and specifically British Columbia, to strengthen its foothold in the vast Indian market. By diversifying trade alliances, the B.C. government aims to build economic resilience against global market volatility.
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