BC Premier David Aby and Ravi Kahlon, BC Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth
Canada Breaking: BC Premier David Eby Leads Trade Delegation to Punjab Among Other Indian States, Strengthens India–British Columbia Economic Ties
Baljit Balli, Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh / Vancouver, January 2026:
As part of British Columbia’s ambitious “Look West: Jobs and Prosperity” strategy, BC Premier David Eby is leading a high-level trade delegation to India, with Chandigarh emerging as a key stop in the mission aimed at promoting good-paying jobs for British Columbians and expanding trade beyond U.S. markets.
According to an official communication released by the BC government, the trade mission, scheduled from January 12 to 17, 2026, will see Premier Eby, accompanied by Ravi Kahlon, BC Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, engage with government leaders, industry stakeholders, and business communities in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru (Bangalore).
Chandigarh Focus: Gateway to North India Collaboration
The delegation’s visit to Chandigarh underscores British Columbia’s intent to deepen economic and institutional ties with North India, particularly in sectors such as clean energy, sustainable forestry, critical minerals, and responsible mining. Punjab and the surrounding region are viewed as strategic partners for trade, technology collaboration, and investment opportunities.
“With unjustified tariffs from the U.S. impacting B.C. workers and businesses, it’s more important than ever to deepen strategic relationships with international partners to attract new investment and support good-paying jobs in British Columbia,” Premier Eby said. “India is a key market for B.C. with enormous opportunities for trade. This trade mission is about deepening our relationships, supporting good jobs in B.C., and strengthening our position as the economic engine of the new Canadian economy.”
As India moves toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the Premier will highlight opportunities for sustainable forestry, clean energy, and responsible mining through new partnerships that are available only in B.C.
India is the world’s third-highest energy consumer and has a growing demand for clean technology and clean energy. British Columbia has both to offer.
The mission is part of Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for BC and Canada, and aligns with the Look West goal of doubling exports to non-U.S. markets over the next 10 years.
Promoting British Columbia’s Key Industries
During the mission, from January 12–17, 2026, Premier Eby, along with Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, will meet with government and business leaders in major centres of commerce and technology, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bangalore.
“British Columbia has the highest share of exports to India of any province,” Kahlon said. “Building on our Look West plan, the trade mission to India will showcase B.C.’s strengths in clean energy, sustainable forestry, responsible mining, and clean technology. By attracting investment and reducing our reliance on U.S. markets through diversified trade partnerships, we will create good jobs and prosperity for all British Columbians.”
Building on B.C.’s Trade-Diversification Strategy
The mission builds on B.C.’s trade-diversification strategy.
Recent trade missions to Asia and Europe have showcased B.C.’s vast range of opportunities in life sciences, technology, agriculture, forestry, ocean science, sustainability, and innovation.
“Diversifying trade and investment, securing supply chains, retaining customers, and opening new markets have always been important, but are now more urgent due to the chaotic and unjustified tariffs from the U.S.,” Premier Eby said. “As we move forward, our government will continue to leverage B.C.’s strengths to create more opportunities for our businesses to export and attract investment, which means jobs, opportunity, and prosperity for British Columbians.”
With Chandigarh as a key stop, the mission reflects British Columbia’s recognition of Punjab and North India as vital partners in shaping future economic cooperation, innovation exchange, and job creation.
Backgrounder:
Facts about B.C.’s trade with India
- In 2024, B.C.-origin exports of goods to India amounted to $1.3 billion.
- In early 2023, the B.C. government launched the Trade Diversification Strategy to strengthen and expand the province’s trading base.
- The province benefits from a network of more than 50 trade and investment representatives across 14 key markets in North America, Europe and Asia.
- This network includes trade and investment representatives in India in Chandigarh, New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru (Bangalore).
- With 18 operating mines and two smelters, B.C. produces or has potential to produce at least 19 of the critical minerals on Canada’s list and the U.S. 2025 draft critical minerals list, including copper, germanium, nickel and rare-earth elements.
- Within Canada, British Columbia is the second-largest producer of natural gas.
- If viewed independently, B.C. is the world’s 12th-largest natural gas producer, with substantial reserves that could allow the industry to expand further.
- Forestry Innovation Investment, B.C.’s market development agency for forest products, has been promoting B.C. wood species in India through the Canadian Wood brand.
Know About Punjab Origin MInister Ravi Kahlon;
Ravi Kahlon was first elected as MLA for Delta North in 2017.
In July 2025, Ravi was appointed Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. Ravi brings considerable economic experience to British Columbia’s cabinet from his previous role as Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery, and Innovation where he oversaw the economic recovery after COVID.
He previously held roles as Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs and Minister of Housing. In addition, he has served as Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Multiculturalism, Parliamentary Secretary for Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.
Born and raised in Victoria, Ravi was introduced to field hockey by his father and grandfather. He is a two-time Olympian in the sport for Team Canada and has been inducted into the Delta Sports Hall of Fame.
Prior to his election as an MLA, Ravi spent seven years in banking and another six years working with the New Democrat Caucus as Director of Stakeholder Relations.
Ravi has been active in the North Delta community for many years as a volunteer on the boards of the Delta Parks and Recreation Committee and Men’s High Performance Field Hockey BC.
He is also a certified coach and mentor to many youth in North Delta, and spends time coaching field hockey and soccer.
Ravi lives in North Delta with his wife and son.