India Canada Trade Talks Aim to Finalize CEPA by Year-End

India and Canada are accelerating efforts to strengthen their economic relationship, with the fifth round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) set to take place in Ottawa from October 5 to 9. The talks follow a diplomatic reset between the two nations, with energy, critical minerals, aerospace, and artificial intelligence identified as key areas for collaboration.

The recent round of discussions comes on the heels of a meeting between India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu during the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee. Both ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum to finalize the CEPA by the end of 2026.

Trade between the two countries has been growing steadily, with two-way trade in goods and services reaching $30.4 billion in 2025. Canada aims to double its exports to markets outside the U.S. and sees India’s expanding economy as a key opportunity for diversification. The goal is to increase annual two-way trade to $70 billion by 2030.

Following the CEPA talks, a major Canadian business delegation will visit India from October 12 to 17, led by Minister Sidhu. The mission includes nearly 300 delegates from various sectors and is intended to create new commercial opportunities and strengthen business ties. Canada is also positioning itself as a long-term supplier of energy, critical minerals, and other commodities to India.