Minister Champagne to welcome India's Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs to Canada to reinforce bilateral ties

August 21, 2026

Toronto, Ontario – In a rapidly changing world, Canada is focused on what we can control. We are building our economic strength at home and diversifying our partnerships abroad.

To advance these efforts, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, will host the Honourable Nirmala Sitharaman, India's Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, to Canada on August 26 and 27.

As the world's fastest-growing major economy, India presents extraordinary opportunities. With a population of 1.4 billion, its energy demand is increasing faster than anywhere else in the world. Its economy is scaling in the very areas that define Canada's strengths: energy, agriculture, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.

This meeting will provide an opportunity for both Ministers to strengthen economic and financial cooperation between Canada and India, discuss shared priorities for promoting sustainable economic growth and investment, and exchange views on global economic developments. The discussions will also focus on strengthening cooperation between Canada and India in support of prosperity, resilience, and long-term economic opportunity for both countries.

Canada and India have had an historically strong, productive relationship. In 2024, total direct and indirect Canadian investment in India surpassed $110 billion. As both countries embark on parallel missions to build and transform our respective economies and diversify key supply chains, we are forging ahead in this partnership to leverage each other's strengths and ambition.

Date:

Thursday, August 27, 2026 (all times are local)

8:30 a.m.

Toronto, Ontario – Both Ministers will participate in the Inaugural Finance Ministers' Economic and Financial Dialogue. Discussions will focus on economic development, financial sector cooperation, and shared international priorities.

Notes for the media:

• For security reasons, all interested media representatives must register by the end of the day on August 24, 2026, by contacting mediare@fin.gc.ca.
  •  Please provide names and outlet upon registration.
• Media are asked to arrive no later than 8:00 a.m.
• Media are invited to capture the opening remarks. The remainder of the session will be closed to media.
• More details will be provided upon registration.

10:30 a.m.

Minister Champagne and Minister Sitharaman will hold a joint press conference. 

Notes for the media:

• For security reasons, all interested media representatives must register by the end of the day on August 24, 2026, by contacting mediare@fin.gc.ca.
  •  Please provide names and outlet upon registration.
• Media are asked to arrive no later than 10:00 a.m.
• More information will be provided upon registration. 

11:30 a.m.

Minister Champagne and Minister Sitharaman will participate in a conversation on advancing Canada and India's shared economic interests, hosted by the Canadian Club Toronto.

Notes for the media:

• The event will be live streamed starting at (approximately) 12:25 p.m.
• Media requiring setup time are asked to arrive no later than 11:30 a.m.
• For more information, or to attend in person, please contact: chughes@canadianclub.org.