India and Canada are intensifying negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu prepares to visit New Delhi in mid-October. This visit will follow the fifth round of CEPA negotiations, scheduled to take place in Canada starting October 5. The Canadian trade delegation’s concurrent trip to India aims to explore business and investment opportunities.
Both nations have made progress on several key issues, yet some matters still require ministerial-level discussions. The goal is to finalize the agreement expeditiously, promoting expanded bilateral trade and investment. In 2025, India and Canada recorded $30.4 billion in combined goods and services trade, with ambitions to raise this figure to $70 billion by 2030.
Officials have been working on these negotiations since CEPA talks commenced in March 2026. The most recent discussions occurred in New Delhi from September 14 to 18. The proposed agreement seeks to enhance economic ties, with both countries exploring cooperation in sectors such as energy, clean technology, life sciences, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
Strengthening India-Canada economic relations through CEPA could bolster trade and investment, reflecting broader efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation. As both sides aim to overcome the remaining hurdles, the upcoming ministerial meetings are crucial in advancing these strategic economic objectives.