India, Canada conclude 3rd round of negotiations for trade pact
New Delhi, July 11
India and Canada concluded the third round of negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in Ottawa from July 6-10, it was announced on Saturday.
The discussions witnessed positive progress across multiple negotiating tracks, reaffirming the shared commitment of both countries to conclude the negotiations in 2026, in line with the vision of the leaders, said Department of Commerce in a post on X.
On the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signalled that he may visit Canada this year and hoped that the long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between both countries will be signed before his visit.
PM Modi made the comment during a meeting with Canadian counterpart Mark Carney.
"You're right that we're very excited about the Free Trade Agreement. And, as you've invited me to come to Canada, I'm also trying to come this year. And, before I come, let's complete this agreement. We want to make a lot of progress in technology. In energy security, Canada can be a very big partner. So these are all the areas that will be discussed a lot today. And I'm very grateful to you that I'm getting a chance to meet all of you," said PM Modi.
Carney said that both countries continue to make "very good progress" on concluding the FTA.
India and Canada have signalled a rapid reset in bilateral ties, with leaders from both countries expressing optimism about concluding the FTA soon. Carney had said that negotiations on the FTA with India would be a "game changer" for Canadian workers and businesses.
"We're negotiating a free trade deal with India. This will be a game changer for Canadian workers and businesses -- unlocking a massive new market," Carney wrote on social media after meeting Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in Ottawa.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm cautiously optimistic. The previous government under Trudeau was very confrontational, but Mark Carney seems more pragmatic. If PM Modi actually visits Canada this year, that would be a huge diplomatic win. Let's hope this FTA doesn't stay stuck in endless talks like our deals with the EU have 🙏
As a Canadian of Indian origin, I'm thrilled to see this progress. The FTA will be a game changer for both economies. Indians will get better access to Canadian pulses, timber, and energy, while Canada can export more technology and services. Just hope both sides move quickly – 2026 seems a long way off when you see how fast deals happen elsewhere
Finally some positive news on the trade front! The GM mustard controversy and Khalistan tensions had really soured relations. If Carney is serious about using this FTA to create jobs in Canada while giving India access to critical minerals and energy, everyone wins. But our negotiators need to ensure we don't become a dumping ground for Canadian goods without reciprocal benefits
I work in the tech sector and this is huge for us. Canada has world-class AI and clean tech companies that could partner with Indian startups. The energy security angle is also important – with global volatility, having a reliable partner like Canada for oil and LNG makes strategic sense. Hope the 2026 timeline sticks! 🚀
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