Canada keen to deepen partnerships with Karnataka quantum computing, AI, aerospace and defence: Trade Minister Maninder Sindhu

According to Mr. Sidhu, a key priority is the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, negotiations for which are being pursued by both governments. | Image for representation | Photo Credit: iStockphoto

Canadian companies are keen to deepen partnerships with Karnataka in emerging technologies, including quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace and defence, Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said on Friday, asserting that Canada had the talent and technological expertise to support India’s growth ambitions.

Mr. Sidhu, who was in the city as part of a high-level Canadian trade mission to India, said Canada and India had complementary economic strengths and were well positioned to build stronger partnerships at a time when global trade patterns were being reshaped.

According to Mr. Sidhu, a key priority is the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), negotiations for which are being pursued by both governments. He further said the agreement could help more than double bilateral trade to $70 billion by 2030, describing the ambition as “transformational” rather than incremental.