Canada Optimistic on India Trade Deal
Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said Canada expects to conclude CEPA negotiations with India by the end of 2026.
Canada is optimistic about concluding negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India by the end of 2026, Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said on September 19.
Sidhu made the comments during a visit to Mumbai. He said Indian trade negotiators are expected to travel to Canada next month, while the leaders of both countries are likely to meet on the sidelines of the G20 gathering in December.
Energy is among the key areas being discussed in the negotiations. Canada is seeking greater participation from Indian companies in its liquefied natural gas projects, including potential investments and arrangements to secure supplies.
The two countries are also exploring expanded cooperation in nuclear energy. India is seeking to increase its nuclear power capacity, while Canada is looking at opportunities for its companies to contribute to supply-chain development in India.
Critical minerals are another area of potential cooperation. Sidhu said large Indian business groups, including Reliance Industries, Mahindra & Mahindra and JSW Group, are exploring investments in Canadian critical-mineral projects to strengthen supply chains.
The proposed CEPA would broaden economic ties between the two countries. Canada and India have previously set an objective of completing the negotiations by the end of 2026, although the agreement has not yet been concluded.