B.C. pursues new markets in India as diplomacy takes a back seat.

British Columbia Premier David Eby has begun a low‑key trade mission to India to deepen economic ties, while the federal government continues to manage lingering diplomatic issues from a 2023 rupture.

British Columbia's premier, David Eby, has departed for a short, no‑frills trade mission to India with his jobs minister and a small staff. The trip comes after a serious diplomatic rupture between Canada and India in 2023, and at a time when Canadian leaders are seeking new markets amid global trade uncertainty. B.C. officials say the mission focuses on relationship‑building rather than signing deals. The provincial government plans visits to its existing trade offices in several Indian cities. Key facts: - Mr. Eby left for India with Jobs and Economic Growth Minister Ravi Kahlon and a small team; there are no industry delegations on this trip. - Canada and India experienced a major diplomatic rupture in 2023 after allegations around the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar; India denies the allegation and the federal government is handling the diplomatic matters. Four men have been charged in relation to Mr. Nijjar's death and the case is in pretrial stages. - B.C. maintained its trade offices in Chandigarh, New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru through the diplomatic tensions, and Mr. Eby plans to visit those outposts. - In 2024, about 2% of B.C.'s goods exports went to India compared with 45% to the United States; since 2014 goods exports to India more than doubled to $1.3 billion, led largely by energy. - The province says the mission will promote energy, critical minerals, life sciences and agricultural technology, with a stated goal of diversifying beyond the U.S. market. - Rising U.S. import taxes on softwood lumber in 2025 (reported at 45.16% for many Canadian producers) have weighed on sales and are one factor cited for seeking new markets. Summary: The immediate effect is a provincial push to build economic ties with India while federal diplomacy addresses outstanding bilateral issues. Mr. Eby will visit multiple B.C. trade offices in India to promote sectors such as energy and life sciences, and provincial officials describe the mission as relationship‑building rather than deal‑signing. Undetermined at this time.