India and Canada are intensifying their negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu slated to visit New Delhi in mid-October. This visit will follow the fifth round of CEPA talks, set to occur in Canada starting October 5. During his visit, Sidhu is expected to meet with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to further the discussions.
The negotiations aim to address remaining issues at the ministerial level, as both nations seek to finalize the agreement promptly. The CEPA discussions, initiated in March 2026, have already seen four rounds of negotiations, the latest of which concluded in New Delhi on September 18.
India and Canada are working towards expanding their bilateral trade and investment, which totaled $30.4 billion in goods and services in 2025. The two countries have set a target to boost this figure to $70 billion by 2030. The proposed agreement is part of broader efforts to enhance economic relations, with both nations exploring cooperation in sectors such as energy, clean technology, life sciences, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
The timing of the trade discussions coincides with a Canadian trade delegation’s visit to India, aimed at exploring business and investment opportunities. Officials from both countries have expressed optimism about the progress made on key issues, though some matters still require high-level deliberation.
The ongoing dialogue reflects a commitment from both sides to strengthen their economic ties, with the potential CEPA serving as a cornerstone for future collaboration. As the negotiations advance, the outcomes could significantly impact the economic landscape between the two countries, paving the way for increased trade and mutual investment opportunities.