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Newsmakers of the Week JUNE 05, 2026 | The Indian Eye 35

Williams, who has been diagnosed far and explore the opportunities ahead for both our countries in energy, agri-
with a rare form of bone cancer, Fox food, tech, and education,” Carney said on X.
News Digital reported. Goyal also held detailed discussions with Canada’s Minister of Interna-
According to Fox News Digital,
Gabbard informed Trump of her de- tional Trade, Maninder Sidhu. The two leaders issued direct mandates to their
respective negotiating teams to ensure the pact delivers balanced economic
cision during a meeting in the Oval rewards.
Office today. Her resignation will “Held constructive bilateral discussions this morning in Ottawa with Can-
take effect on June 30. ada’s Minister of International Trade, Mr. Maninder Sidhu, on advancing the
She further stated, “At this time,
I must step away from public service India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
negotiations. We provided clear guidance to our teams to work towards a bal-
to be by his side and fully support him through this battle.” anced, commercially meaningful and ambitious agreement that strengthens
Gabbard thanked Trump for the opportunity to lead the Office of the
Director of National Intelligence over the past year and a half and said she economic partnerships and delivers tangible benefits to businesses and citi-
zens of both countries,” Goyal said.
would ensure a smooth transition before leaving office.
“Thank you for your understanding during this deeply personal and diffi- HEMANT M. PANDYA & NITA PEDNEKAR
cult time for our family,” she wrote.
During her tenure as DNI, Gabbard undertook efforts aimed at restruc-
turing the intelligence community, including reducing the size of the agency Filmmakers Represent Independent
and dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes within the Cinema at Cannes Film Festival
intelligence apparatus.
Gabbard also oversaw the declassification of more than half a million
pages of government records related to matters including the Trump-Russia annes: Independent filmmak-
ers Hemant M. Pandya and
investigation and the assassinations of former US President John F Kennedy CNita Pednekar proudly rep-
and Senator Robert F Kennedy. resented Indian-American indepen-
According to Fox News Digital, Gabbard also established a “Weaponisa-
tion Working Group” to coordinate efforts across federal agencies regarding dent cinema at the prestigious 79th
Cannes Film Festival 2026, where
alleged misuse of government institutions during the Biden administration. both attended as officially accredited
The report further said that under Gabbard’s leadership, the National
Counterterrorism Centre prevented over 10,000 individuals with alleged links and invited film industry delegates.
Representing the New Jersey
to narco-terrorism from entering the United States in 2025 and added more Indian & International Film Festival
than 85,000 such individuals to the terror watchlist.
(NJIIFF) & Friday Films LLC, the
PIYUSH GOYAL duo participated in world premieres,
gala screenings, industry networking
Minister meets Canadian Prime events, and international collabo-
ration meetings during one of the
Minister Carney to expand trade world’s most celebrated cinematic gatherings.
For Hemant M. Pandya, founder of New Jersey Indian and Internation-
al Film Festival (NJIIFF) and Friday Films, and filmmaker Nita Pednekar,
ttawa: India and Canada Cannes was far more than a red carpet experience. “For true filmmakers,
fast-tracked negotiations for
Oan early conclusion of the Cannes is ultimately about cinema, storytelling, and global artistic exchange,”
said Pandya. “The red carpet is an added privilege, but the real inspiration
Comprehensive Economic Partner- comes from witnessing extraordinary films and connecting with filmmakers
ship Agreement (CEPA) during a from across the world.”
series of high-level bilateral meetings The filmmakers praised the exceptional organization, hospitality, and
in Ottawa, aiming to expand trade, management of the festival, which hosted more than 25,000 attendees from
investment, and technology linkages around the globe while maintaining remarkable efficiency and elegance
between the two nations. throughout the city of Cannes.
Union Minister of Commerce
This year’s Cannes lineup showcased a diverse range of films, cultures,
and Industry Piyush Goyal met with and storytelling voices. Both filmmakers were particularly inspired by the
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Car- strong presence of independent cinema and socially driven narratives. Nepal’s
ney and senior cabinet ministers to review progress on the free trade pact and internationally acclaimed film Elephants in the Fog and India’s Shadows of
map out deeper cooperation across key economic sectors, during his three- the Moonless Nights (Parchave Masseah Rataan De) stood out as examples
day visit to Canada. of how honest storytelling continues to resonate globally beyond budgets or
The diplomatic engagements highlighted a mutual commitment to
strengthening the bilateral partnership. During his meeting with the Canadian commercial scale.
Pandya and Pednekar also actively participated in events at the Bharat
Prime Minister, Goyal discussed the evolving economic ties. Pavilion, which served as a vibrant platform for Indian filmmakers, produc-
“Fondly recalled his recent visit to India, which has imparted fresh mo-
mentum and renewed confidence to the India-Canada partnership. We had ers, actors, film festivals, and international collaborators. The Pavilion hosted
networking sessions, co-production discussions, and conversations about the
forward-looking discussions on further deepening bilateral cooperation and future of Indian cinema on the world stage.
expressed optimism towards the early conclusion of the India-Canada Com- At Cannes, the filmmakers also introduced their upcoming international
prehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which would unlock projects. Hemant M. Pandya and Nita Pednekar continue to develop globally
new avenues of growth and prosperity for both nations,” Goyal said on X. relevant independent film projects through Friday Films LLC while promot-
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also confirmed the acceleration
of the trade talks, framing the proposed agreement as a “game changer for ing meaningful cinema and cultural exchange through the New Jersey Indian
& International Film Festival.
Canadian workers and businesses”.
“We’re negotiating a free trade deal with India. This will be a game chang-
er for Canadian workers and businesses -- unlocking a massive new market. To read more about Indian diaspora and Global Indians, log on to and follow
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