Alberta Enhances India Relations with New Advisory Committee and Trade Initiatives

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is revitalizing its efforts to expand trade and investment ties with India, building upon previous outreach efforts and establishing a dedicated advisory body to guide future engagement. The 2018 India trip led by former UCP premier Jason Kenney, alongside MLAs Prasad Panda and Devin Dreeshen, included meetings with Indian business and political leaders, though observers noted limited tangible outcomes at the time.
In 2025, Alberta established the India Advisory Committee, chaired by MLA Shane Getson, to provide strategic guidance on sectors including energy, agriculture, technology, aerospace, and tourism. Oversight of these initiatives is managed by Invest Alberta and the province’s Intergovernmental and International Relations ministry, led by Premier Danielle Smith. Legislative records indicate $17.3 million was allocated to Invest Alberta in 2024–25 for trade-promotion and investment attraction activities, including India-focused outreach. Alberta’s exports to India totaled $611.6 million in 2024, reflecting growth in key sectors and highlighting the potential of deeper bilateral engagement.
Experts say Alberta’s strategy can be further strengthened by combining political leadership with specialized knowledge of India’s evolving economy, ensuring that diplomatic and trade efforts translate into sustainable opportunities for Alberta businesses, researchers, and investors.