Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday met a high-level Canadian delegation led by Foreign Minister Anita Anand at his official residence ‘Varsha’ in south Mumbai. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure, technology, education, trade, and industry.
Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra’s role as a preferred destination for exports and foreign direct investment (FDI), supported by the state’s business-friendly policies and robust infrastructure. He pointed out that Maharashtra is already a leader in economic, industrial, and technological growth and continues to attract international investors.
Maharashtra as Growth Hub
During the meeting, Fadnavis noted that Mumbai, as India’s financial, industrial, and start-up capital, will play a critical role in the country’s journey towards becoming a USD 5 trillion economy. He emphasized that Maharashtra will contribute significantly to this national vision by creating opportunities across sectors.
Projects such as the newly inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport and the upcoming Edu-City, designed to attract global universities and create a world-class education ecosystem, were presented as major highlights of Maharashtra’s development roadmap.
Canada Sees New Pathways
Foreign Minister Anita Anand described the meeting as a reflection of renewed energy in India-Canada relations. She expressed optimism about exploring fresh opportunities for collaboration, particularly in technology and energy sectors. Anand also underlined the strategic importance of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) technology, which she said holds significant potential for cooperation.
“Maharashtra’s contributions in data and technology are particularly noteworthy. This visit marks an important milestone in the Canada-India partnership,” Anand observed, while affirming that both nations are building a modern, forward-looking partnership to benefit citizens on both sides.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
The discussions covered ways to strengthen trade, finance, education, and industrial cooperation, ensuring that both nations can leverage their strengths for mutual growth. Fadnavis reiterated that this is the right time for Canadian entrepreneurs and investors to explore the abundant opportunities Maharashtra has to offer.
Highlighting India and Canada’s longstanding friendly relations, the CM said that these ties are now entering a phase of deeper collaboration, opening the door to a new era of inclusive development.
India-Canada Relations
The partnership between India and Canada has been steadily growing, with an increased focus on job creation, quality education, and improved living standards. Leaders on both sides view the present as a historic opportunity to scale up cooperation in multiple areas, from advanced technology to global education exchanges.
Anand noted that this collaboration is not just about economics but also about creating shared opportunities. “This is a historic phase of inclusive development, and mutual cooperation will only strengthen our ties further,” she added.
By combining Canadian expertise in advanced technologies with Maharashtra’s strong entrepreneurial and industrial base, both countries aim to create sustainable opportunities for the future.
