India-Canada direct air linkages from Nov

India and Canada will resume direct air linkages from November after a gap of more than seven years to strengthen socio-economic ties and boost trade, High Commissioner for Canada to India Nadir Patel said today.
Interacting with the members of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry here, Patel also offered Canadian capacities of housing sector to build Smart Cities in India provided such cities are conceptualised to satisfy the global investors at both top and bottom line.
"The direct flight between New Delhi to Toronto and vice versa would lead to cementing the trade and socio economic ties of the two countries which was called off way back in 2007 and is also a follow up action of the recent Prime Minister visit to Canada a few months ago

"The re-launch of the air linkages between India and Canada would happen with great pomp and show and also inspire both the nations to accelerate their trade and commerce as also movement of natural persons," the High Commissioner said, according to a release issued by the PHD Chamber.
The new route will open new opportunities in the Indian subcontinent, currently the largest international market not served by Air Canada.
Air Canada discontinued its flights to India from April 2007.
According to PHD Chamber, the High Commissioner lamented that the trade of Canada with India is just 1/12 of its trade with China. He said the time has come when both the countries should move forward to pro-actively open up the prevailing trade barriers, to realise the trade potential, particularly in fields like agriculture, energy, aerospace, communication, pulses, edible oils and education.

The bilateral trade between India and Canada increased to USD 5.18 billion in 2013-14 from USD 4.83 billion in previous year.