A major Canadian aerospace firm, Bombardier, has expressed strong optimism about India's aviation market, highlighting its potential for growth in both civil business jets and defence sectors.This comes as Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Mumbai on Friday for his first official visit to India, aiming to reset strained bilateral ties and boost trade amid global economic shifts.Mark Masluch, senior director of communications at Bombardier, the Montreal-headquartered company renowned for its Challenger and Global series business jets, described India as a key market "poised for growth" due to ongoing infrastructure developments.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/canadian-pm-mark-carney-lands-in-mumbai-begins-his-four-day-india-visit-1772190849004">Canadian PM Mark Carney lands in Mumbai, begins his four-day India visit</a>"Definitely in both of our product lines, whether it's on the civil business jet side or Bombardier defense, India’s a marketplace we have to grow," Masluch said while speaking to WION."We see airport infrastructure development that continues. We already have an existing base of customers in the country that we support on a one-on-one basis. We're looking at developing broader infrastructure around [it] as well."Bombardier, which currently supports around 60 jets in India, sees significant opportunities tied to the country's expanding aviation ecosystem. On the defence front, Masluch noted the company's flexibility: "We're very well positioned as a company that can take our existing Challenger [and] Global platforms and modify them based on the direct needs of the government."He emphasised the importance of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, stating: "In any market where we have customers operating our aircraft, we are continuously evaluating the level of MRO direct presence we need or have the right partnerships to make sure our customers receive the service that they expect and are accustomed to. We are the number one service provider in the world as voted by customers."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-declares-open-war-against-afghanistan-taliban-says-patience-reached-its-limit-1772154130929">'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar': Pakistan declares 'open war' against Afghanistan, says 'patience has reached its limit'</a>Masluch linked broader growth to foundational improvements: "It all starts with infrastructure. So airport infrastructure is the lifeblood of business aviation. Business aviation... comes with jobs, and MRO with jobs and ground support and jobs [like] crew training." He added that Bombardier is "very keen to help support that" through direct involvement or partnerships, while closely monitoring "the next phases of airport development" to time its expansions.The remarks align with Carney's Mumbai agenda, focused on deepening commercial ties with business leaders in India's financial hub. The prime minister's visit , part of efforts to diversify trade beyond the US amid tensions with Washington, includes meetings that could open doors for sectors like aviation, energy, and technology ahead of talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

"Definitely in both of our product lines, whether it's on the civil business jet side or Bombardier defense, India’s a marketplace we have to grow," Masluch said while speaking to WION.

A major Canadian aerospace firm, Bombardier, has expressed strong optimism about India's aviation market, highlighting its potential for growth in both civil business jets and defence sectors. This comes as Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Mumbai on Friday for his first official visit to India, aiming to reset strained bilateral ties and boost trade amid global economic shifts. Mark Masluch, senior director of communications at Bombardier, the Montreal-headquartered company renowned for its Challenger and Global series business jets, described India as a key market "poised for growth" due to ongoing infrastructure developments. Also read | Canadian PM Mark Carney lands in Mumbai, begins his four-day India visit "Definitely in both of our product lines, whether it's on the civil business jet side or Bombardier defense, India’s a marketplace we have to grow," Masluch said while speaking to WION. "We see airport infrastructure development that continues. We already have an existing base of customers in the country that we support on a one-on-one basis. We're looking at developing broader infrastructure around [it] as well." Bombardier, which currently supports around 60 jets in India, sees significant opportunities tied to the country's expanding aviation ecosystem. On the defence front, Masluch noted the company's flexibility: "We're very well positioned as a company that can take our existing Challenger [and] Global platforms and modify them based on the direct needs of the government." He emphasised the importance of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, stating: "In any market where we have customers operating our aircraft, we are continuously evaluating the level of MRO direct presence we need or have the right partnerships to make sure our customers receive the service that they expect and are accustomed to. We are the number one service provider in the world as voted by customers." Also read | 'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar': Pakistan declares 'open war' against Afghanistan, says 'patience has reached its limit' Masluch linked broader growth to foundational improvements: "It all starts with infrastructure. So airport infrastructure is the lifeblood of business aviation. Business aviation... comes with jobs, and MRO with jobs and ground support and jobs [like] crew training." He added that Bombardier is "very keen to help support that" through direct involvement or partnerships, while closely monitoring "the next phases of airport development" to time its expansions. The remarks align with Carney's Mumbai agenda, focused on deepening commercial ties with business leaders in India's financial hub. The prime minister's visit , part of efforts to diversify trade beyond the US amid tensions with Washington, includes meetings that could open doors for sectors like aviation, energy, and technology ahead of talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

"Definitely in both of our product lines, whether it's on the civil business jet side or Bombardier defense, India’s a marketplace we have to grow," Masluch said while speaking to WION.

Canadian aerospace giant Bombardier eyes major growth in India ahead of Carney's Mumbai meetings

India’s financial capital Mumbai is the first stop in Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s economy-focused India tour. The visit is expected to prioritise trade, investment flows, financial sector collaboration and strategic economic partnerships. Meetings with industry leaders and policymakers aim to deepen India–Canada ties amid shifting global economic dynamics.

India's Financial Capital Mumbai 1st Stop In Carney's Economy-Focused Tour

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney landed in Mumbai on Friday evening, marking the beginning of his four-day visit to India. PM Carney will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on March 2. It will be the third meeting between Carney and Modi in 10 months, which shows efforts to improve the Indo-Canadian relationship, burying the tensions that prevailed during his predecessor Justin Trudeau’s time.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VIDEO | Maharashtra: Canadian PM Mark Carney arrives at Mumbai&#39;s Taj Hotel on an official visit to India from 27 February to 2 March 2026. (Full video available on PTI Videos - <a href="https://t.co/n147TvrpG7">https://t.co/n147TvrpG7</a>) <a href="https://t.co/YkKRMKvJdj">pic.twitter.com/YkKRMKvJdj</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/2027335597854200000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-15-outposts-captured-40-pak-soldiers-killed-says-afghan-22-taliban-personnel-slain-in-retaliatory-action-claims-islamabad-1772133592010">‘15 outposts captured, 40 Pak soldiers killed,’ says Afghan; 22 Taliban personnel slain in retaliatory action, claims Islamabad</a>&nbsp;Carney’s visit underscores a strong push toward deeper economic engagement between the two countries. Carney will meet top industry leaders, financial specialists, and major Canadian pension fund representatives in Mumbai, signalling that trade, investment, and financial collaboration are central to the agenda.Key delegation-level discussions will take place at Hyderabad House, building on earlier bilateral exchanges held in Kananaskis and Johannesburg in 2025.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-fruitful-discussions-to-expand-trade-ties-says-piyush-goyal-after-hosting-us-commerce-secretary-howard-lutnick-1772128131114">‘Fruitful discussions to expand trade ties’: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick travels to India, meets Piyush Goyal</a>&nbsp;The two countries shared a tumultuous relationship a few years back, as Trudeau often accused India of being involved in political assassinations on Canadian soil.The latest visit is expected to mark a significant shift in the relationship between the countries. The two leaders are expected to hold significant talks over economic affairs and bilateral trade.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danish-pm-mette-frederiksen-calls-snap-election-amid-popularity-surge-for-resisting-trump-s-bid-to-acquire-greenland-1772120220927">Danish PM Mette Frederiksen calls snap election amid popularity surge for resisting Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland</a>&nbsp;The Canadian Prime Minister, who is on a three-nation tour, will also travel to Japan and Australia.&nbsp;The focus of the visit will be on trading relationships as both countries are trying for early conclusion of a trade agreement.&nbsp;Canada is seeking better ties with India at a time when its relationship with neighbour the United States has taken a hit since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second stint as US President.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet top industry leaders, financial specialists, and major Canadian pension fund representatives in Mumbai, signalling that trade, investment, and financial collaboration are central to the agenda. 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney landed in Mumbai on Friday evening, marking the beginning of his four-day visit to India. PM Carney will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on March 2. It will be the third meeting between Carney and Modi in 10 months, which shows efforts to improve the Indo-Canadian relationship, burying the tensions that prevailed during his predecessor Justin Trudeau’s time.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet top industry leaders, financial specialists, and major Canadian pension fund representatives in Mumbai, signalling that trade, investment, and financial collaboration are central to the agenda.&nbsp;

Canadian PM Mark Carney lands in Mumbai, begins his four-day India visit

Canada and India stand poised to significantly boost bilateral trade, with Canadian officials highlighting vast untapped potential in energy, infrastructure, and critical minerals, comments made ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's high-profile visit to India starting 26 February.Tushar Handiekar, Vice President and Global Head of Structured &amp; Project Finance at Export Development Canada (EDC), speaking to WION, emphasised the opportunities for deeper economic ties. "There's certainly a lot of potential to significantly increase bilateral trade between Canada and India," he said. "And there are multiple sectors where Canada has strengths that India needs, that Canada can certainly provide."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-and-canada-to-take-relationship-to-next-level-with-pm-carney-visit-says-high-commissioner-dinesh-k-patnaik-1771902736988">India and Canada to 'take relationship to next level' with PM Carney visit, says High Commissioner Dinesh K Patnaik</a>Handiekar pointed to energy and energy security as key areas, encompassing both traditional oil and gas and the clean energy transition. "There are technologies [and] investments that can go into India in a big way," he noted, adding that Canadian expertise in infrastructure development, building, owning, and managing large networks, could play a major role.&nbsp;He described Canada as "a very stable partner for growth," extending to food security as well. On the planned Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Handiekar stressed the need to remove barriers. "It's important that when companies take a lot of effort in creating this bilateral trade... if there is friction in the pipe that creates slowness and that creates a question on how much, how big can it grow?" he said. "Through these trading agreements, as you can remove some of these barriers and make the trading easy, there's a lot of potential for it."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-points-to-fraud-rules-as-tahawwur-rana-faces-potential-loss-of-citizenship-1772069128110">Canada points to fraud rules as Tahawwur Rana faces potential loss of citizenship</a>He also highlighted Canadian pension funds' interest in India's rapid GDP growth and its ambitions to become a manufacturing hub. Canada, rich in critical minerals essential for batteries and defence production, could make "a big dent" in supplying raw materials and technology, he added.The remarks come as Prime Minister Carney prepares to visit Mumbai and New Delhi, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trip, part of a broader Asia-Pacific tour including Australia and Japan, aims to diversify Canada's trade amid global shifts and repair strained relations following past diplomatic tensions. The upcoming engagement is seen as a pragmatic reset, focusing on mutual economic benefits in energy, technology, and resources.

Tushar Handiekar, Vice President and Global Head of Structured & Project Finance at Export Development Canada (EDC), speaking to WION, emphasised the opportunities for deeper economic ties.

Canada and India stand poised to significantly boost bilateral trade, with Canadian officials highlighting vast untapped potential in energy, infrastructure, and critical minerals, comments made ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's high-profile visit to India starting 26 February. Tushar Handiekar, Vice President and Global Head of Structured & Project Finance at Export Development Canada (EDC), speaking to WION, emphasised the opportunities for deeper economic ties. "There's certainly a lot of potential to significantly increase bilateral trade between Canada and India," he said. "And there are multiple sectors where Canada has strengths that India needs, that Canada can certainly provide." Also read | India and Canada to 'take relationship to next level' with PM Carney visit, says High Commissioner Dinesh K Patnaik Handiekar pointed to energy and energy security as key areas, encompassing both traditional oil and gas and the clean energy transition. "There are technologies [and] investments that can go into India in a big way," he noted, adding that Canadian expertise in infrastructure development, building, owning, and managing large networks, could play a major role. He described Canada as "a very stable partner for growth," extending to food security as well. On the planned Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Handiekar stressed the need to remove barriers. "It's important that when companies take a lot of effort in creating this bilateral trade... if there is friction in the pipe that creates slowness and that creates a question on how much, how big can it grow?" he said. "Through these trading agreements, as you can remove some of these barriers and make the trading easy, there's a lot of potential for it." Also read | Canada points to fraud rules as Tahawwur Rana faces potential loss of citizenship He also highlighted Canadian pension funds' interest in India's rapid GDP growth and its ambitions to become a manufacturing hub. Canada, rich in critical minerals essential for batteries and defence production, could make "a big dent" in supplying raw materials and technology, he added. The remarks come as Prime Minister Carney prepares to visit Mumbai and New Delhi, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trip, part of a broader Asia-Pacific tour including Australia and Japan, aims to diversify Canada's trade amid global shifts and repair strained relations following past diplomatic tensions. The upcoming engagement is seen as a pragmatic reset, focusing on mutual economic benefits in energy, technology, and resources.

Tushar Handiekar, Vice President and Global Head of Structured &amp; Project Finance at Export Development Canada (EDC), speaking to WION, emphasised the opportunities for deeper economic ties.

'Significant potential' to expand Canada-India trade, says top Canadian export agency official before Carney's India trip

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a high-profile visit to India as part of a broader Indo-Pacific tour, marking what is seen as a pivotal moment to "elevate and expand" bilateral relations strained in recent years. Mr Carney will travel to India, Australia, and Japan from February 26 to March 7, 2026, with his first stop in Mumbai before heading to New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The visit comes amid Canada's push to diversify trade and reduce economic dependence on traditional partners, particularly in a global environment of uncertainty due to Trump's policies.&nbsp;In a statement from the Canadian Prime Minister's Office, it said Indian and Canadian leaders will focus on ambitious new partnerships in trade, energy, technology and artificial intelligence (AI), talent and culture, and defence. Mr Carney is expected to meet business leaders in Mumbai to identify investment opportunities in Canada and foster new commercial links.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-to-attack-iran-soon-from-usss-abraham-lincoln-to-gerald-ford-us-deploys-these-warships-are-heading-towards-middle-east-nuclear-deal-1771605910151">Trump to attack Iran soon? From USS Abraham Lincoln to Gerald Ford US deploys - these warships are heading towards Middle East</a>&nbsp;"The leaders will focus on elevating and expanding the Canada-India relationship, with ambitious new partnerships in trade, energy, technology and artificial intelligence (AI), talent and culture, and defence," the statement added.&nbsp;The trip follows two meetings between Mr Carney and Mr Modi last year, including on the sidelines of international summits- G7 &amp; G20, signalling efforts to rebuild momentum after a diplomatic chill under former Canada PM Trudeau. The visit is particularly significant given India's rapid economic growth and Canada's resources in critical areas such as energy and minerals. Discussions are expected to advance negotiations toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, alongside cooperation in nuclear energy, critical minerals, and AI.&nbsp;The Indo-Pacific focus shows Mr Carney's broader strategy to strengthen alliances in the region amid shifting global dynamics. After India, Mr Carney will travel to Australia and Japan for similar high-level talks. "Through these visits to three of Canada’s strongest Indo-Pacific partners, the Prime Minister will deepen regional ties that are critical to our security and prosperity," the Canadian Prime Minister's office said.

Mark Carney will visit India to expand trade, energy, AI and defence ties with Narendra Modi, as Canada pursues Indo-Pacific partnerships and economic diversification amid shifting global dynamics.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a high-profile visit to India as part of a broader Indo-Pacific tour, marking what is seen as a pivotal moment to "elevate and expand" bilateral relations strained in recent years. Mr Carney will travel to India, Australia, and Japan from February 26 to March 7, 2026, with his first stop in Mumbai before heading to New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit comes amid Canada's push to diversify trade and reduce economic dependence on traditional partners, particularly in a global environment of uncertainty due to Trump's policies. In a statement from the Canadian Prime Minister's Office, it said Indian and Canadian leaders will focus on ambitious new partnerships in trade, energy, technology and artificial intelligence (AI), talent and culture, and defence. Mr Carney is expected to meet business leaders in Mumbai to identify investment opportunities in Canada and foster new commercial links. Also read: Trump to attack Iran soon? From USS Abraham Lincoln to Gerald Ford US deploys - these warships are heading towards Middle East "The leaders will focus on elevating and expanding the Canada-India relationship, with ambitious new partnerships in trade, energy, technology and artificial intelligence (AI), talent and culture, and defence," the statement added. The trip follows two meetings between Mr Carney and Mr Modi last year, including on the sidelines of international summits- G7 & G20, signalling efforts to rebuild momentum after a diplomatic chill under former Canada PM Trudeau. The visit is particularly significant given India's rapid economic growth and Canada's resources in critical areas such as energy and minerals. Discussions are expected to advance negotiations toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, alongside cooperation in nuclear energy, critical minerals, and AI. The Indo-Pacific focus shows Mr Carney's broader strategy to strengthen alliances in the region amid shifting global dynamics. After India, Mr Carney will travel to Australia and Japan for similar high-level talks. "Through these visits to three of Canada’s strongest Indo-Pacific partners, the Prime Minister will deepen regional ties that are critical to our security and prosperity," the Canadian Prime Minister's office said.

Mark Carney will visit India to expand trade, energy, AI and defence ties with Narendra Modi, as Canada pursues Indo-Pacific partnerships and economic diversification amid shifting global dynamics.

Canadian PM Mark Carney to visit India this week. Details here