Canada's British Columbia steps up India outreach amid strained trade ties with US

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. NEW DELHI : With US trade ties under strain, Canada’s west-coast province of British Columbia is stepping up its push into India, with Premier David Eby set to lead a trade mission to the country from 12 to 17 January, the Canadian High Commission said on Friday.

Eby's visit underscores the province’s effort to diversify export markets amid punishing US tariffs, as it looks to tap India’s fast-growing economy and rising demand for clean energy, critical minerals and sustainable forestry to support jobs and investment at home. Eby will be accompanied by jobs and economic growth minister Ravi Kahlon for meetings with government and business leaders in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Bengaluru.

The mission will focus on promoting British Columbia’s strengths in clean energy, critical minerals, sustainable forestry and responsible mining, sectors the province sees as key to building a more resilient and independent economy, the statement said. British Columbia is a province bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the US states of Washington, Idaho and Montana to the south.

Vancouver is its largest city and the main commercial and trade hub. The delegation comes at a time when US tariffs are weighing on Canadian exporters, prompting British Columbia to accelerate efforts to diversify trade beyond its largest market.

“The mission will promote British Columbia’s businesses, critical minerals and sustainable wood products, supporting efforts to build a more independent economy and create good jobs," the statement said. “With unjustified US tariffs affecting workers and businesses in British Columbia, it is more important than ever to deepen strategic ties with international partners to