In under a week, B.C. Premier David Eby and Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon will travel to India for a trade mission aimed at promoting local businesses and industries, all against a backdrop of political instability and strained international relations.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Eby stated that the delegation, scheduled from January 12 to 17, seeks to strengthen ties at a vital moment, particularly as India is on track to become the third-largest economy globally.
The officials plan to meet with government and business representatives in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru (Bangalore).
B.C. stands as India’s top trading partner in Canada. In 2024, the total trade volume between India and B.C. reached $2.1 billion, constituting 25 percent of Canada’s exports to India, as noted by Kahlon.
Eby emphasized the significance of this trade mission in light of tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
One of the mission’s key focuses will be to create opportunities within the forestry sector, which has faced severe challenges due to these tariffs. The delegation will also work to promote the clean energy, mining, and technology industries.
Kahlon highlighted that B.C. boasts 12,000 tech companies and has the nation’s fastest-growing life sciences sector.
Eby mentioned that a recent trade delegation to Asia led to significant projects, including LNG Phase 2, which is anticipated to reach a final investment decision this year.
He noted that this project, backed by a coalition from countries like Korea, Japan, and Malaysia, along with state investment firms from those nations, would mark the “largest private sector investment in Canadian history” if it goes ahead.
Concerns regarding India’s possible role in Nijjar’s murder
Eby expressed that he remains “deeply concerned” about the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a notable Canadian Sikh separatist who was killed in Surrey, B.C. He also addressed accusations made by former prime minister Justin Trudeau against the Indian government’s involvement.
Four individuals have been charged with the murder, and Eby conveyed his trust in the ongoing criminal proceedings.
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He mentioned that it is the responsibility of the federal government to collaborate with the Indian authorities “on mutual concerns,” while B.C. must prioritize its residents by generating employment in sectors affected by tariffs.
“We have difficulties with the United States; yet we continue to engage with them. We face challenges with China; nevertheless, we still maintain relations with China,” Eby stated.
Investment in refinery, not new pipeline: Eby
Eby also referred to U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions regarding Venezuela, which included capturing president Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, and accusing them of involvement in a narco-terrorism conspiracy.
However, Eby disagreed with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who reacted to the crisis by calling for a swift pipeline through Northern B.C.
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Instead, Eby pushed for greater investment in the Trans Mountain pipeline, which is currently underutilized, and suggested that taxpayer money would be better allocated towards a refinery.
“I don’t see why, if we are discussing significant public investment to support Albertans during this fragile global period, we can’t consider how to assist all Canadians with oil and gas products produced right here at home.”