The CIF seeks to engage political parties, opinion-makers, decision-makers, think-tanks, media and other groups in promoting the objectives of the CIF.
- The foundation will commission studies, surveys and reports that will help in realizing its objectives and mandate.
- A Web site, newsletters and group communication.
- Networking with other groups of complimentary interests.
- Support the advancement of Indo-Canadians in the political and public policy domain.
Some of CIF's most prominent events and initiatives are provided below:
- Instituted the CIF Chanchlani Global Indian Award, presented annually to an outstanding Indian who has demonstrated global leadership, vision, and personal excellence, which has made all of us of Indian origin extremely proud of our heritage. The first 3 winners of the Award have been Sam Pitroda, Tulsi Tanti and Ratan Tata
- Enabled the creation of the Chanchlani India Policy Centre at the University of Waterloo, to develop the intellectual bandwidth for public policy research and implementation on Canada India relations.
- Organized high-profile Canada India Energy Forum and Canada India MIning/Metals Forum, bringing together ministers, senior bureaucrats, Private sector CEOs and leading consultants to discuss policies in the refered sectors that will enable greater trade between the two countries
- Organized special event recognizing Indo-Canadians who have received public honours and thereby enhanced the profile of the community
CIF has engaged senior officials from Canada and India, as well leaders of the private sector in numerous discussions since its inception. Some of the interactions during the past 2 years as indicated below:
- CIF Members accompanied Prime Minister Stephen harper on his visit to India in November 2009
- CIF Members participated in Ontario Premier's Cleantech delegation to India
- Met with visiting Indian Ministers of Overseas Affairs, Energy, Commerce, External Affairs and Food Processing Industries
- Met 4 times with the Canada India Interparliamentary Friendship Group to highlight areas of importance for the two countries, and emphasize the need for them to work together
- Invited and hosted visit by former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and organized numerous speaking engagements by him in Toronto, Waterloo, Nigara Falls and Vancouver
- Hosted Chairman of Wipro, Azim Premji
- Briefed High Commissioner of India to Canada, Shashishekhar Gavai, as well as Canada's High Commissioner to India, Stewart Beck about CIF and its objectives. Maintained active consultation with India's consulates in Canada and also with Canada's consulates in India
- Presented to the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs & International Trade on issues with respect to the rise of India and the implications for Canadian global policy.
- Met with several parliamentarians stressing thye importance of not encouraging divisive elements in the Indo-Canadian community, instead to leverage the collective strengtth of the community for the betterment of Canada and stronger Canada-India ties
- Maintained a policy of interactions with opposition leaders both federally and provincially in support of CIF's mandate and objectives
- Hosted visiting business delegations from India, including the Vibrant Gujarat delegation
- Organized a special Lunch in honour of outgoing President of University of Waterloo and incoming Governor General of Canada, David Johnston
- In the run up to the 2011 federal election, organized meetings with the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party, allowing them to present their parties' India engagement strategies. Obtained a statement by the New Democratic Party on the same.
- Dialogued with the federal government to resolve visa issues related to some of India's public servants
- Ensured participation of heads of leading Indo-Canadian organizations in many of the above meetings
- Supported the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the Indian Diaspora event, held in Toronto in 2011.
