Wed Jul 16 16:33:55 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

Victor T. Thomas, president and CEO of the Canada-India Business Council, expresses optimism about renewed Canada-India relations following positive signals from the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, including inviting Prime Minister Modi to the G-7 Summit and restoring the respective High Commissioners in Ottawa and New Delhi. He believes this “reset” offers significant opportunities for Canadian businesses looking to diversify, especially amidst a Canada-U.S. trade war. Canadian investments in India, particularly in infrastructure and real estate, are already substantial (around CA $100 billion), and Thomas sees further potential in sectors like agri-food, energy, education, and resources. Despite past diplomatic tensions, the business community has remained active and views the current developments as encouraging for long-term investment.

**News Article:**

**Canada-India Relations Thaw Fuels Business Optimism, Says Canada-India Business Council Head**

**Ottawa – July 16, 2025** – The head of the Canada-India Business Council, Victor T. Thomas, has expressed a cautiously optimistic outlook regarding trade and investment between the two nations, citing recent efforts to mend bilateral ties. His comments come after a period of strained relations following allegations in 2024 that Indian agents were involved in the killing of a Khalistani separatist in Canada.

“The new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has certainly signalled the opportunity to engage with India,” Thomas said, highlighting the invitation extended to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the G-7 Summit. “In many ways, this was a reset in Canada-India relations. The gesture re-established some trust on the India file and reignited some bilateral momentum.”

According to Thomas, the restoration of High Commissioners in Ottawa and New Delhi is another welcome sign of improved diplomatic relations. “The business community values stability and predictability. These are encouraging signals for long-term business planning.”

With Canada embroiled in a trade war with the U.S., India presents a particularly attractive alternative for Canadian firms seeking to diversify their markets. “Canadian companies already active in India are seeing real success, on the investment side of things, particularly in infrastructure and real estate. This year, investments from Canada into India — both direct and indirect — hovers around CA $100 billion!”

Thomas emphasized untapped opportunities in sectors such as agri-food, energy, education, and resources. He expressed hope that the improving climate will pave the way for an Early Progress Trade Agreement, following the lead of allies like Australia and the U.K.

While acknowledging the diplomatic challenges of the past year, Thomas maintained that the business community has remained resilient. “These are encouraging signals for long-term business planning and I’m cautiously optimistic that relations will continue to improve,” he concluded.

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