India, Canada Complete Trade Talks
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fast-track negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and conclude the pact at the earliest.
India and Canada have concluded the fourth round of negotiations for a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expedite talks and conclude the pact at the earliest. The latest round was held in New Delhi from September 14 to 19.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu discussed progress on the trade agreement. Goyal said both countries remain committed to unlocking opportunities across trade in goods, services and investment.
The negotiations cover areas including goods and services, rules of origin and technical barriers to trade. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal had earlier said that two chapters had already been concluded and that both sides were working towards completing the agreement by the end of 2026.
Canada sent a 48-member team for the latest round of negotiations. Canadian Trade Minister Sidhu said there is significant potential for cooperation in areas including aerospace, artificial intelligence, clean energy and critical minerals.
India and Canada have set a target of increasing bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. The two countries are seeking to strengthen economic ties through expanded market access and greater trade and investment cooperation.
Bilateral trade declined 8.22% to $7.95 billion in 2025-26, from $8.66 billion in 2024-25. India’s major exports to Canada include pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, seafood, cotton garments, electronic goods and chemicals, while key imports include pulses, coal, fertilisers, paper and crude petroleum.
The latest round marks continued progress in negotiations that were formally relaunched earlier in 2026. Both sides are now working towards their stated objective of concluding the proposed CEPA within the year.