Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to visit Toronto on August 26 and 27 for the inaugural Canada-India Economic and Financial Dialogue, marking another high-level engagement between the two countries as they work to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations.
During her visit, Sitharaman is expected to participate in the new bilateral dialogue with Canadian counterparts and hold meetings with business and corporate leaders. The talks are expected to focus on expanding investment, financial cooperation and broader economic ties between Canada and India.
The visit comes amid renewed momentum in the bilateral relationship, with Ottawa and New Delhi pursuing closer commercial ties and working toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal visited Canada in May with a large business delegation as the two governments sought to accelerate trade negotiations.
Another prominent Indian figure, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, is expected to visit Toronto from August 31 to September 1 as part of the organization’s overseas centenary outreach.
Bhagwat’s planned visit has generated both support and opposition in Canada. More than 100 community organizations have reportedly backed the visit and urged Canadian authorities to reject demands that he be prevented from entering the country. At the same time, some Canadian politicians and groups have called for restrictions on his entry, making the visit a subject of political controversy.
The two visits come as Canada and India continue rebuilding relations following a period of serious diplomatic tensions. Economic engagement has emerged as a major component of that reset, with senior officials from both countries increasing bilateral contacts and emphasizing trade, investment and business cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi could also visit Canada later in 2026, with a potential trip to Ottawa reportedly under discussion following an invitation from Prime Minister Mark Carney. If confirmed, the visit would further underscore the rapid increase in high-level engagement between Ottawa and New Delhi.
