Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with Canada’s Minister of National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne. Photo: X/@CMOMaharashtra
A strong partnership between Maharashtra and Canada is poised to shape a dynamic future driven by investment, innovation, and shared opportunity, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday (March 1, 2026).
He was speaking at a special reception hosted in Mumbai for the Canadian delegation consisting of Canada’s Minister of National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne, Premier of New Brunswick Susan Holt, and others. Mr. Fadnavis had also hosted the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday.
Investment push
“The world today faces the dual challenge of ensuring environmental conservation while progressing amid the climate change crisis. Maharashtra, too, is addressing climate change while continuing on its path of development. There are numerous opportunities for Canada to invest in Maharashtra,” Mr. Fadnavis said, inviting Canadian educational institutions and entrepreneurs to explore investment prospects in the State. The reception was attended by members of the Canadian delegation, representatives of universities, CEOs of Indian companies, entrepreneurs, and senior government officials.
Pitching Maharashtra as a preferred investment destination, Mr. Fadnavis highlighted large-scale infrastructure projects underway across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. He also underscored the State’s demographic advantage. “Nearly 60% of Maharashtra’s population is below the age of 27. A significant number of students from the State pursue higher education in Canada. Therefore, Canadian universities should establish campuses in Navi Mumbai’s upcoming EduCity,” he said.
AI and climate
“Canada has made remarkable progress in artificial intelligence, advanced technology, and environmental conservation, with strong institutional support from its government. On similar lines, the Maharashtra Government is working in areas such as data centres, Global Capability Centres, and startups to shape the future of the State,” Mr. Fadnavis said, adding that the State Government had recently organised a global conference on Artificial Intelligence in agriculture.
Emphasising the importance of climate financing, he said Maharashtra is aspirational and prepared 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 till March 2. During his Mumbai visit, the Canadian Prime Minister participated in business engagements 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 – March 01, 2026 10:14 pm IST
