India Canada Aim to Double Trade by 2030 in Fifth CEPA Talks

India and Canada are set to kick off the fifth round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on Monday, aiming to finalize a deal by the end of 2026. The talks, running from October 5 to 9 in Ottawa, follow a recent meeting between Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu at the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee. Sidhu emphasized the need for a mutually beneficial agreement by year-end, as both nations look to strengthen economic ties after a period of diplomatic tension.

The negotiations focus on expanding bilateral trade and cooperation, with key areas including energy, critical minerals, aerospace, and artificial intelligence. Canada reported two-way trade in goods and services with India reached $30.4 billion in 2025, with a target to double that to $70 billion annually by 2030. Four previous rounds of CEPA negotiations have been completed, with officials working to bridge remaining differences before the end of this year.

Following the fifth round, Canada will lead a major trade mission to India from October 12 to 17, involving nearly 300 business delegates. Sidhu highlighted Canada’s potential as a long-term supplier to meet India’s growing needs for energy and critical minerals. The mission aims to create new business opportunities and strengthen commercial ties between the two countries. Bilateral merchandise trade stood at $13.6 billion in 2025, with services accounting for an even larger share, including significant exports of education-related travel.

Canada is also seeking to diversify its international trade, aiming to double exports to non-U.S. markets over the next decade. The growing economic relationship underscores the importance of India’s expanding economy in Canada’s trade diversification strategy.