The prime minister will be accompanied by five ministers and by representatives of Canada's business and cultural sectors.

Together they will travel to Agra, New Delhi, Chandigarh and Bangalore, and Harper will meet with India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other ministers and officials.

"Canada enjoys a strong working and personal relationship with India but we must further strengthen the links between our two countries," Harper said in a statement.

"India is a growing economy with enormous potential, and expanding our trade and investment links with India will create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity here in Canada."