Lucknow: Canada has expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation with Uttar Pradesh in key sectors such as trade, energy, defence, and education, signaling growing global engagement with the state’s fast-evolving economy.
A high-level Canadian delegation led by High Commissioner Christopher Cooter visited Lucknow and held strategic discussions with senior state officials, including Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna and Chief Minister’s Secretary Amit Singh.
The delegation also visited the Invest UP headquarters, where a detailed meeting was chaired by Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner Deepak Kumar. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral investment and collaboration in defence manufacturing, renewable energy, and academic innovation.
During the meeting, Invest UP showcased the state’s robust investment ecosystem, large consumer base, and world-class infrastructure. Officials highlighted progressive policies such as the UP FDI Policy 2023 and GCC Policy 2024, which have attracted global Fortune 500 companies. The progress of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, equipped with six strategic nodes and advanced manufacturing capabilities like the BrahMos missile system, was also emphasized.
High Commissioner Christopher Cooter noted that India-Canada trade relations hold immense untapped potential. He stressed the importance of collaboration in emerging sectors such as green hydrogen, LNG/LPG, and critical minerals to support India’s growing energy needs and long-term development goals. He also underlined the importance of self-reliance in defence amid evolving global dynamics.
Highlighting education, Cooter said partnerships between Canadian institutions and those in Uttar Pradesh could significantly boost skill development, innovation, and global talent exchange. He invited the state to deepen ties with Canada through stronger cooperation in technology transfer, trade, and workforce development.
The delegation included Colonel Stephen Murray (Defence Advisor), Rohit Shukla (Political and Economic Officer), and Sumen Mandal (Trade Commissioner). Senior officials from UPNEDA and Invest UP were also present at the meeting.
