Canada–India CEPA Talks ‘Making Great Headway’
Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu says negotiations with India are progressing well and could wrap up in the coming months, targeting a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by year’s end.
Canada’s International Trade Minister and his Indian counterpart are reporting strong progress in negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming to finalize the deal by the end of 2026.
A CEPA between Canada and India would significantly broaden Canada’s export markets, diversify its trade away from overreliance on the U.S., and tap into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Canada and India are making significant headway in negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with four rounds of talks now completed and both sides expressing a shared commitment to finalizing the deal by the end of 2026. [1] In an interview during his visit to Mumbai, Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said he feels “very, very optimistic and energetic that we can get it done in the coming months.” Indian negotiators are expected to visit Canada next month, and leaders from both countries are likely to meet on the sidelines of the G‑20 summit in December. [2]
During Sidhu’s meetings with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Mumbai, discussions included engagement with senior industry players in sectors such as clean technologies, life sciences, energy transition, and aerospace. These gatherings have helped build momentum toward wrapping up the CEPA negotiations. [1]
If concluded, the agreement would mark a milestone in Canada’s trade diversification strategy. Ottawa has set an ambitious target of doubling two‑way trade with India to C$70 billion annually by 2030. Diversifying away from heavy U.S. dependency, Canada is seeking new, fast‑growing markets—India being a critical one. [1]
That said, while both sides are optimistic, the final timeline for closing the deal, the scope of commitments, and ratification processes remain to be seen.
What to watch next: Will the Indian negotiating team’s visit and year‑end G‑20 interaction deliver a breakthrough to seal the CEPA?
Exact timelines for final negotiation rounds, confirmation of formal agreement signing, and possible political challenges remain uncertain.