India Canada CEPA Talks Focus on Agriculture and Trade Boost

India and Canada have launched the fifth round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Ottawa, aiming to finalize the deal before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's anticipated visit to Canada in December. Key issues under discussion include predictable market access for agricultural products like pulses and fertilizers, technical standards, and visa provisions for workers. The agreement also focuses on energy cooperation, advanced manufacturing, AI, and critical mineral supply.

Canadian farm groups are pushing for long-term, enforceable commitments to access the Indian market, citing frequent changes in India's pulse import duties. India, protective of its farm sector, may consider tariff-rate quotas as a compromise. Potash exports from Canada to India and visa policies for Indian professionals are also significant topics.

The negotiations follow the fourth round in New Delhi in September, where Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu and Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reaffirmed their commitment to a swift conclusion. Both countries aim to double bilateral trade to $70 billion (Canadian dollars) by 2030. The urgency in these talks is heightened by geopolitical uncertainty and changes in the US tariff regime under President Donald Trump.

Technical standards and regulatory frameworks remain a sticking point, with both sides seeking to address clashing standards that hinder trade. The talks were previously paused in late 2023 due to strained diplomatic relations but resumed after Mark Carney became Canadian Prime Minister in 2025.