Cameron Mackay spoke India-Canada Business connections could lead to job creation, technology partnerships, and prosperity for both countries.
Despite recent tensions, Canada’s High Commissioner to India, Cameron Mackay, said on Thursday that India and Canada share common strategic interests. He spoke at a seminar on ‘India-Canada Business: The Way Forward’ during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, emphasizing the importance of business connections.
The relationship between the two countries faced challenges last year when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India denied the claim.
Mackay acknowledged the recent strains but expressed confidence in the business community’s ability to maintain trade and investment ties beneficial for both nations. He suggested that business connections could lead to job creation, technology partnerships, and prosperity for both countries.
While advising governments to handle diplomacy, Mackay stressed that in the long term, Canada’s and India’s strategic interests align. “Meanwhile, let’s focus on business ties. We should work together to make our business and nations friendly again,” he added.
Mackay noted that business relations remained strong despite diplomatic tensions. “Over 100 Indian companies have invested in Canada, and more than 600 Canadian companies are present in India. Yesterday, I visited the McCain plant here in Gujarat,” he mentioned.
Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan and Canada, Ajay Bisaria, reassured that the tensions are temporary. “Even though there’s a glitch in political relations, the message from both countries’ top leadership is clear – business must continue, unaffected by political issues,” Bisaria emphasized during the seminar.