India Global Hub ambitions are gaining momentum as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India is emerging as a major platform for global manufacturing, innovation, services and exports. Addressing a Business Roundtable in Toronto, she invited Canadian businesses and investors to build long-term operations and partnerships in India that can serve both the domestic and global markets.
India Global Hub Strategy Opens New Investment Opportunities
Sitharaman said reforms, digitalisation, infrastructure investment and targeted policy support are strengthening India’s investment environment. She urged Canadian companies to view India not only as a major growth market but also as a strategic platform for global expansion.
The Finance Minister highlighted opportunities in financial services, technology and innovation. She also pointed to GIFT IFSC as an emerging platform for international financial services and regional business strategies.
India Global Hub Gains from Digital Infrastructure
Sitharaman highlighted India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a key opportunity for technology companies and financial institutions. She also emphasised the country’s digital payments ecosystem and UPI, which support secure, scalable and inclusive financial services.
During her meeting with CIBC Bank Managing Director and Head of International Banking Wayne Lee, she encouraged the institution to explore opportunities to establish a presence in India and participate in its growing financial ecosystem.
India-Canada Partnership to Expand Beyond Trade
Sitharaman said India and Canada have strong potential to build a more resilient and investment-led economic partnership. She highlighted opportunities across clean energy and critical-mineral value chains as both countries seek more diversified and resilient global supply chains.
Bilateral trade in goods and services stood at around USD 24 billion in 2024. Both countries aim to increase two-way trade to around USD 70 billion annually by 2030. Sitharaman said the opportunity extends beyond trade and includes capital, technology, innovation and expertise.
India Global Hub Vision Supports Viksit Bharat 2047
As India works towards Viksit Bharat 2047, Sitharaman called for deeper economic integration between India and Canada. She said Canadian capital, technology and natural resources can complement India’s scale, talent, manufacturing capabilities and expanding market.
The roundtable brought together business leaders from sectors including clean technology, critical minerals, energy storage, sustainable infrastructure, agriculture, automotive, textiles, cybersecurity, biotechnology, AI, asset management and higher education.
Sitharaman also met Payments Canada President and CEO Susan Hawkins to discuss India’s digital payments ecosystem. She highlighted the country’s resilient banking system, DPI and UPI as key foundations for the next phase of financial and economic growth.
Source: PSU Watch
