India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, visited Agribition in Saskatchewan and emphasized that India will continue to need Canadian yellow peas despite the recently imposed 30% tariff. He said the tariff reflects a balance between protecting India’s 200 million subsistence farmers and ensuring affordable prices for consumers, noting India lacks the land base to become fully self-sufficient in pulses. Patnaik confirmed discussions led by Premier Scott Moe, supported by Alberta, Manitoba, and the federal government, to establish a long-term supply strategy, possibly involving quotas or reduced tariffs. Since India lifted its ban in 2023, Canada has shipped more than 4.5 million tonnes of yellow peas, and future trade will be part of upcoming Canada–India economic partnership talks. He also highlighted India’s interest in stable access to Saskatchewan uranium and potash, stressing the need to insulate economic ties from political tensions.
