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British Columbia and India

With one of the largest economies and the largest population in the world alongside a rising middle class, there are significant trade and investment opportunities in India. India’s market specializes in IT services with a skilled and English-speaking workforce.

Trade & Investment Highlights

In partnership with the Government of Canada, B.C.’s Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) opened an office in Mumbai, India in 2014 to expand opportunities for B.C. forest products across India’s high-potential market. The Alacrity B.C. Cleantech Initiative has an in-market presence in India, assisting B.C.’s cleantech, ocean and marine companies at an international level.
Through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada will grow economic ties, including through deeper trade and investment, as well as cooperate on building resilient supply chains with India.
British Columbia and India maintain diverse economic relations, strengthened through conversations surrounding a Foreign Investment Promotion Agreement (FIPA) and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries.

India at a Glance

Monetary figures are in USD

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

Aerospace

India’s civil aviation sector is one of the fastest growing in the world. With the country aiming to handle over a billion passenger trips annually by 2040, the need for expanded airport infrastructure is critical. By 2030, India is expected to see over 500 million air travelers, making it a key player in global aviation. This rapid growth has attracted major global aerospace companies such as Boeing, Airbus, and GE Aerospace, highlighting India’s skilled workforce and cost-effective solutions. For British Columbia (B.C.) companies, there are significant opportunities in areas such as airport planning, energy-efficient and zero-carbon airport development, safety, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, and advanced security products like cargo and passenger scanners. Additionally, the growing demand for innovative technologies like touchless airport systems, ticketing, and baggage management presents further avenues for B.C. companies to explore.

Agrifood and Agritech

Agriculture plays a vital role in India’s economy, providing over 40% of employment and contributing 17% to GDP. As the country’s population and incomes rise, so does the demand for food. India’s grocery market is projected to reach $852 billion by 2025, making it the fastest-growing grocery market globally. This presents opportunities for Canadian companies, particularly in agrifood sectors like pulses, vegetable oils, processed foods, and beverages. Additionally, India’s agriculture industry is eager to use agritech to increase productivity, opening doors for B.C. agritech companies in the fields of crop management, soil remediation, and animal husbandry. Other sectors, such as precision agriculture, greenhouse technologies, and bulk storage, also present growth prospects. As India seeks to modernize its agricultural practices, B.C. companies can contribute with technology and expertise in sustainable farming practices, machinery, and software solutions.

Clean Energy

India is making ambitious strides toward renewable energy as part of its goal to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070. India is focused on reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and diversifying its energy sources. Renewable energy, especially solar and wind, is a key part of India’s energy transition, and the demand for clean power solutions continues to grow. India has also identified green hydrogen as a promising energy alternative, opening doors for B.C. companies to export green hydrogen. Opportunities in a variety of clean energy technologies, such as solar energy, wind turbines, energy storage, and smart grid solutions, are expanding as the nation strives for energy independence by 2047. The increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability positions B.C. as a strong partner for India’s green energy goals.

Forestry and Wood Products

India’s growing demand for wood products presents a promising market for British Columbia. While India has a rich heritage in woodcraft and furniture, it faces challenges such as limited domestic wood supply and the declining availability of traditional hardwood sources. The country relies heavily on imported wood products, including solid wood, paper, wood pulp, and wood-based panels. As India seeks sustainably sourced materials, B.C. stands out as a potential supplier due to its certified forest management practices and abundant wood resources. As India’s reliance on imported wood products grows, businesses in British Columbia can take advantage of opportunities to supply the country’s expanding paper, furniture, and construction sectors with high-quality, sustainably sourced materials.

Industrial Marine

India’s strategic location along major global shipping routes, with a coastline of over 7,500 km and numerous ports, positions it as a key player in maritime trade. The Indian government’s Maritime India Vision 2030 aims to modernize and enhance the efficiency of the country’s maritime sector, creating opportunities for foreign investment. B.C. companies can support India’s maritime ambitions by providing cutting-edge technologies and services in shipbuilding, repair, and marine operations. The demand for improved efficiency, environmental sustainability, and innovation in the maritime industry aligns well with B.C.’s strengths in marine technology. From enhancing port operations to offering professional marine services, there is a significant role for B.C. firms to contribute to India’s growing maritime sector.

ICT

India’s ICT sector is a major economic driver, contributing over 13% to the country’s GDP. With significant growth in areas such as IT services, business process management, e-commerce, and digital technologies, India presents vast opportunities for foreign partnerships and investments. B.C. tech companies will see opportunities in introducing innovative solutions in areas like blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), and fintech. As India’s digital transformation accelerates, the demand for technologies in energy, healthcare, infrastructure, and education grows, creating opportunities for B.C. companies to collaborate on large-scale projects. With the expansion of e-commerce, there is also high demand for digital supply chain technologies and data-driven solutions, making India an ideal partner for B.C. tech firms looking to scale their operations.

Life Sciences

India’s life sciences and healthcare sector is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by rising healthcare demands, the prevalence of lifestyle diseases, and a focus on affordable healthcare. Despite significant advances, India continues to rely heavily on imported medical devices, equipment, and pharmaceutical products. This creates a valuable opportunity for B.C. companies in the medical device and healthcare sectors. Manufacturers of medical supplies, diagnostic equipment, and hospital technologies are in demand as India’s healthcare infrastructure modernizes. The government’s initiatives to boost domestic manufacturing have not yet fully reduced reliance on imports, offering B.C. firms a chance to provide high-quality solutions in medical devices, telemedicine technologies, and healthcare IT systems.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

India, as Asia’s fourth-largest LNG importer, faces growing demand for energy due to increasing consumption and declining domestic production. To meet its energy needs, India is diversifying its LNG suppliers, creating opportunities for British Columbia to establish itself as a key exporter of LNG to the Indian market. Although transport times may be longer than traditional sources like Qatar and the U.S., B.C.’s LNG offers a competitive advantage in terms of supply reliability and sustainability. As India works to secure stable, cleaner energy sources, B.C. companies can play a crucial role in providing LNG solutions to help meet the country’s growing energy demands.

India Top Industries (2019-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Metals

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Software & IT Services

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Renewable Energy

_{Source: FDI Markets}

Import Industries
(by value)

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Fuels & Oils

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Pearls, Precious Stones & Metals

Investment Opportunities in Canada - Electrical Machinery Equipment

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Fertilizer

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Aircraft & Spacecraft Parts

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Copper

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

BC Export Industries to Market

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Ores, Slag & Ash

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Wood Pulp & Recovered Paper

_{Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada}

Trade & Investment Resources

For B.C. Businesses

For International Businesses

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How We Help

Assist in commercial location identification and site selection.
Provide information on transportation infrastructure and logistics gateways.
Offer introductions to sector associations, industries and provide cluster insight.
Facilitate understanding and solutions for talent, skilled workforce and labour mobility
Facilitate engagement with professional advisors on legal, compliance and tax matters
Help navigating and offering referrals within government agencies on First Nations, business and regulatory processes.

Identify high potential investment opportunities and offer industry insight.
Introductions to sector associations and local industry contacts.
Introductions to companies seeking investments to expand.
Provide knowledge on local innovation hubs and connections to entrepreneurial opportunities.
Introductions to local venture capital networks.

Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
Advice and coaching in international expansion and exporter development.
Support Team BC missions and trade events.
Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
Provide insight on trade agreements and barriers.
Introductions to trade representatives in foreign markets.
Market entry assistance in international markets.

Trade & Investment Offices in India

India
- Chandigarh
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru

Chandigarh

Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab, home of the majority of Indian immigrants to British Columbia, Canada. The Punjab and British Columbia have strong historical, cultural and social connections, and businesses in both regions are natural commercial partners. Our Chandigarh office builds awareness of the business and cultural connections between British Columbia and Punjab.

The team uses its extensive networks in Punjab and strong relationships with British Columbia to help businesses identify shared opportunities, including in the growing areas of tourism, agrifoods and education.

Chandigarh Office:
Consulate General of Canada
C413-C416, 4th Floor, Elante Office Complex,
Plot No. 178-178A, Industrial & Business Park
Chandigarh – 160002, India

Tel: +91 172 505 0439

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Prashanth Nair
Managing Director, India

Rajesh Sharma
Senior Commercial Officer

Delhi

Delhi is the capital of India and is the second largest city (by population) after Mumbai. Delhi is home to both the Indian parliament and most federal government headquarter offices. The city has emerged as a major business capital and gateway to key northern Indian cities.

Our Delhi team uses its extensive networks throughout India and strong relationships with British Columbia to help businesses identify shared opportunities in a variety of sectors, including investment attraction and government relations.

Delhi Office:
High Commission of Canada
7/8 Shantipath, Chanakaypuri,
New Delhi – 110021

Tel.: +91-11-41782000

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Prashanth Nair
Managing Director, India

Harish Vaidyanathan
Senior Commercial Officer

Mumbai

Our Trade and Investment Representative office in Mumbai is the hub for British Columbia’s programs and activities throughout India. Mumbai is India’s financial and business capital, and a centre for natural resource investment. It is among the world’s top 10 trade centres and is the key trade destination in India.

Our Mumbai team’s expertise and extensive networks help companies in India and British Columbia capitalize on shared business opportunities, including resources, clean technology, information and communication technologies, life sciences, and transportation.

Mumbai Office:
Consulate General of Canada,
One International Center, Tower 2, 21st Floor,
Senapati Bapat Marg, Elphinstone Road (West),
Mumbai 400 013

Tel.: +91 22 49224600

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Prashanth Nair
Managing Director, India

Maithili Jhaveri
Senior Commercial Officer

Bengaluru

India and British Columbia have strong historical, cultural and social connections, and businesses in both regions are natural commercial partners.

The team uses its extensive networks in Bengaluru and strong relationships with British Columbia to help businesses identify shared opportunities.

Bengaluru Office:
Consulate General of Canada
World Trade Center, 22nd Floor, 26/1
Dr. Rajkumar Road, Malleshwaram West
Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru, 560055 India

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Prashanth Nair
Managing Director, India

Prateek Bhatia
Senior Commercial Officer

Connect With Our International Network

Our Trade and Investment Representatives can help you establish the right connections, participate in events and tradeshows, explore programs and initiatives, and more. Connect with an expert near you.

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British Columbia and India

Trade & Investment Highlights

India at a Glance

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

India Top Industries (2019-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Import Industries (by value)

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities

BC Export Industries to Market

Trade & Investment Resources

For B.C. Businesses

For International Businesses

Latest News And Stories

B.C. Workshops Boost Trade and Export Growth

British Columbia: A Dynamic AI Hub

How We Help

Trade & Investment Offices in India

Chandigarh

Delhi

Mumbai

Bengaluru

Connect With Our International Network

Import Industries
(by value)