India and Canada are intensifying their negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu prepares for a mid-October visit to New Delhi. This visit follows the fifth round of CEPA discussions, which are set to occur in Canada starting October 5. During his visit, Sidhu is expected to meet with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss remaining key issues that require ministerial-level attention.
Both countries have expressed a strong desire to finalize the agreement swiftly, following progress on several critical topics in previous negotiations. India and Canada initiated CEPA talks in March 2026, with the last round of discussions taking place in New Delhi from September 14 to 18.
The proposed CEPA aims to significantly enhance bilateral trade and investment between the two nations. In 2025, India and Canada recorded a combined trade in goods and services totaling $30.4 billion. Both governments have set an ambitious target to increase this bilateral trade to $70 billion by 2030.
The renewed trade discussions coincide with broader efforts to strengthen economic relations between India and Canada. Both countries are exploring cooperative ventures in various sectors, including energy, clean technology, life sciences, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
Sidhu’s visit to India is also expected to coincide with a Canadian trade delegation’s trip, aimed at exploring business and investment opportunities in the region. This underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen their economic ties through both governmental and private sector partnerships.