New Delhi, Mar 2 (.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday pitched India as a dynamic growth engine and a natural economic partner for Canada, telling business leaders from both countries that shared democratic values and complementary strengths position the two nations to “shape the future together.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday pitched India as a dynamic growth engine and a natural economic partner for Canada, highlighting the countries’ shared democratic values and complementary strengths. Addressing business leaders from both nations, he said these factors position India and Canada to “shape the future together,” signaling renewed momentum in bilateral trade and strategic collaboration.
Speaking at the India–Canada CEOs Forum alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Modi described both countries as “vibrant democracies, two major economies of the world, and societies founded on shared values.”
“Democracy, diversity and development inspire us to move forward as natural partners,” he said, framing the bilateral economic relationship within a broader strategic and values-based context.
Modi underscored India’s rapid economic rise, calling it the world’s fastest-growing major economy. “Today, India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy,” he said, attributing the transformation to “strong domestic demand, a young population, large-scale investment and the power of digital technology.”
He characterised India’s economic momentum as the outcome of sustained structural reforms. “This is the result of our continuously racing Reform Express,” the Prime Minister said, using a phrase that has become shorthand for his government’s push to streamline regulations, boost infrastructure, expand digital public goods and attract global investment.
The CEOs Forum brought together top industry leaders and investors from sectors including energy, clean technology, infrastructure, finance, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and education. The interaction comes at a time when New Delhi and Ottawa are seeking to reset ties and significantly expand bilateral trade and investment flows.
Modi used a sporting metaphor to drive home his message of speed, agility and partnership. “Just like in T-20 cricket — with fast decisions, fearless strokes and match-winning partnerships — India and Canada will shape the future together,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid efforts by both governments to deepen economic engagement through a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at unlocking greater market access and boosting two-way trade. India and Canada have set ambitious targets to substantially increase bilateral trade by the end of the decade.
Canada is a major source of long-term institutional capital for India, with Canadian pension funds investing heavily in infrastructure, renewable energy and real estate. India, in turn, offers a vast and expanding consumer market, a skilled workforce and a rapidly digitising economy.
By emphasising reform, demographic strength and digital innovation, Modi sought to reassure global investors of policy continuity and growth stability. His address positioned India not only as an investment destination but as a co-architect of emerging global supply chains and next-generation technologies.
As India and Canada work to stabilise and expand their partnership, Monday’s CEOs Forum signalled a renewed focus on economic pragmatism and private-sector leadership — with Modi’s message clear: shared values, swift decision-making and bold collaboration will define the next chapter of bilateral ties. . SKA .