Canada and India have intensified negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aiming to conclude the pact by the end of 2026, following the fifth round of talks in Ottawa from October 5 to 9. The two countries are seeking to expand bilateral trade and investment amid efforts to strengthen economic ties.
Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu met Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi this week on the sidelines of a Canadian trade mission to India. According to Global Affairs Canada, the ministers reviewed progress in negotiations and discussed ways to advance the proposed agreement.
The trade mission, running from October 12 to 17, includes nearly 300 delegates visiting Mumbai and Bengaluru to explore business and investment opportunities in energy, critical minerals, aerospace, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
Canada aims to increase annual bilateral trade with India to 70 billion dollars by 2030, from 30.4 billion dollars in goods and services traded in 2025. The proposed agreement is expected to improve market access and strengthen cooperation across key sectors.
Canada’s merchandise exports to India stood at 3.9 billion dollars in 2025, while imports from India totalled 9.7 billion dollars. The latest engagement comes amid broader efforts by both countries to rebuild bilateral relations and expand economic cooperation.
