Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with Canada’s Minister of National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne. Photo: X/@CMOMaharashtra
The strong partnership between Maharashtra and Canada is poised to shape a dynamic future fueled by investment, innovation and shared opportunities, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday (March 1, 2026).
He was speaking at a special reception held in Mumbai for a Canadian delegation consisting of Canada’s Minister of National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt and others. Mr. Fadnavis also hosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday.
Investment pressure
“The world today faces a dual challenge: to ensure environmental protection while moving forward amid the climate change crisis. Maharashtra too is dealing with climate change and continuing its development journey. There are many opportunities for Canada to invest in Maharashtra,” Mr. Fadnavis said, inviting Canadian educational institutions and entrepreneurs to explore investment prospects in the state. Members of the Canadian delegation, university representatives, CEOs of Indian companies, businessmen and senior government officials attended the reception.
Mr. Fadnavis pitched Maharashtra as a preferred investment destination and highlighted the large-scale infrastructure projects underway across the Mumbai metropolitan region. He also emphasized the demographic advantage of the state. “Nearly 60% of Maharashtra’s population is below 27 years. A significant number of students from the state are pursuing higher education in Canada. Therefore, Canadian universities should set up campuses in the upcoming EduCity Navi Mumbai,” he said.
AI and climate
“Canada has made remarkable progress in the field of artificial intelligence, advanced technology and environmental protection with strong institutional support from its government. Similarly, the Maharashtra government is working in areas such as data centers, global capability centers and startups to shape the country’s future,” Mr. Fadnavis said, adding that the state government had recently organized a global conference on artificial intelligence in agriculture.
Emphasizing the importance of climate finance, he said Maharashtra is ambitious and ready to pursue new growth opportunities.
On Saturday (February 28, 2026), Mr. Fadnavis hosted a reception for Mr. Carney, who is on an official visit to India until March 2. During his visit to Mumbai, the Canadian Prime Minister participated in trade talks and interacted with Indian and Canadian CEOs, industry leaders, financial experts, innovators, educators and representatives of Canadian pension funds operating in India. He left for New Delhi on Sunday (March 1, 2026).
Published – 1 March 2026 22:14 IST
