India and Canada Push for CEPA Deal by End-2026
India and Canada are making progress on their proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aiming to conclude negotiations by the end of 2026. According to Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, three rounds of talks have taken place so far, with the latest occurring in Ottawa from July 6 to July 10.
The proposed CEPA aims to establish a free trade area between the two countries by reducing or eliminating tariffs and other trade barriers. This will also lead to the liberalization of trade in goods and services, creating a more transparent and predictable trade and investment framework.
India sees Canada as an important export market and investment destination, with Canada's economy valued at approximately USD 2.34 trillion in purchasing power parity terms. The renewed push for the CEPA comes as India and Canada work to rebuild relations after a prolonged diplomatic strain had stalled progress on bilateral initiatives.