Closer relationship with India will benefit Canadians and British Columbians, says Premier David Eby

On a week-long trade mission to India, B.C. Premier David Eby said Indian investors have shown strong interest in the province’s mining and LNG projects and described closer ties as important amid U.S. trade tensions.

B.C. Premier David Eby is leading a week-long trade mission to India and spoke to reporters from Mumbai about investor interest in the province. He said he met with India’s energy minister and large firms, and that investors have been especially interested in B.C.’s mining and energy sectors. Eby described over 20 mines in various stages of development and noted inquiries about liquefied natural gas projects. He framed the mission as part of an effort to broaden trade ties amid tensions in U.S. trade policy. Key points: - Eby is on a provincial trade mission to India with a delegation that includes Minister Ravi Kahlon. - He said mining has been the main area of investor interest and that more than 20 mines are in various stages of development. - Eby said Indian officials and companies expect sustained growth and rising energy demand, and Indian investors showed interest in LNG projects such as Woodfibre LNG, LNG Canada Phase 2 and Ksi Lisims. - The province reported that B.C.-origin goods exports to India were worth $1.3 billion in 2024, and Kahlon said B.C. had the highest share of exports to India among provinces. - Critics expressed concern about warming ties with India after allegations that Indian agents were linked to the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar; India has denied ordering extrajudicial killings and four men have been accused in that case. - Eby said he supports the trial process in the Nijjar case and noted a recent spike in extortion reports in the Lower Mainland; he said the extortion task force will provide an update next week and mentioned deportations, an arrest in India and law-enforcement co-operation. Summary: Eby’s mission is focused on deepening investment links in mining and LNG as B.C. seeks to diversify trade amid U.S. trade tensions. The trip has drawn criticism because of unresolved questions tied to the Nijjar killing, and Eby said he supports the ongoing judicial process. The extortion task force is scheduled to report back next week. Other outcomes of the tour are undetermined at this time.