India and Canada are intensifying negotiations to establish a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu prepares for a visit to New Delhi in mid-October. This visit aims to advance discussions following the fifth round of negotiations set to occur in Canada beginning October 5. The proposed agreement seeks to significantly enhance bilateral trade and investment between the two nations.
During his visit, Minister Sidhu is expected to meet with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to address remaining issues that require high-level ministerial dialogue. This visit will align with a Canadian trade delegation’s trip to India, which aims to explore potential business and investment opportunities. Both countries are committed to concluding the agreement swiftly, having made progress on several key issues during previous negotiations.
India and Canada initiated CEPA negotiations in March 2026, with four rounds of talks already completed. The most recent discussions took place in New Delhi from September 14 to 18. The overarching goal of these negotiations is to expand bilateral trade, which reached $30.4 billion in combined goods and services in 2025. Both governments are targeting a substantial increase, aiming for $70 billion in trade by 2030.
The renewed trade talks are part of broader efforts to strengthen economic relations between India and Canada. The two countries are exploring potential cooperation across various sectors, including energy, clean technology, life sciences, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. This multifaceted approach reflects a commitment to deepening economic ties and fostering mutual growth.