India, Canada push for early trade deal; PM Mark Carney calls CEPA 'Game Changer'
New Delhi, May 26
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a series of high-level meetings with top Canadian leaders in Ottawa aimed at accelerating negotiations for the proposed India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney describing the proposed trade pact as a "game changer".
Goyal arrived in Canada leading the largest-ever Indian business delegation to the country, comprising representatives from more than 100 companies, in what is being seen as a major step towards reviving and strengthening bilateral economic relations between the two countries.
During his meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, Goyal conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held discussions on deepening cooperation across trade, investment, technology, agriculture and strategic sectors.
According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, both sides expressed optimism over the early conclusion of the India-Canada CEPA and reaffirmed their commitment to a balanced and commercially meaningful agreement.
Prime Minister Carney said the proposed free trade agreement with India would be a "game changer" and would help unlock a massive new market opportunity for both countries.
Goyal also held bilateral discussions with Canada's Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, where both sides reviewed progress in CEPA negotiations and agreed to work towards concluding the agreement by the end of 2026.
The proposed CEPA is expected to strengthen trade and investment ties while creating greater opportunities for businesses and industries in both countries.
In another meeting, Goyal discussed agricultural cooperation with Canada's Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald, focusing on food security, sustainability, agri-technology and food processing collaboration.
The minister also held talks with Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand and highlighted opportunities for Canadian investments in India's infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, digital infrastructure and consumer sectors.
The visit comes amid renewed momentum in India-Canada economic engagement following Prime Minister Carney's visit to New Delhi earlier this year. CEPA negotiations have accelerated since the Terms of Reference were signed in March 2025.
The first round of virtual negotiations was held in March 2026, while the second round concluded on May 8 this year. Another round of technical negotiations is currently underway in Ottawa from May 25-29 alongside Goyal's visit.
The Indian delegation includes business leaders from sectors such as energy, mining, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, textiles, leather and automotive goods.
India and Canada currently have bilateral trade worth around USD 8.5 billion, with both countries targeting expansion of trade to USD 50 billion by 2030.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Carney calling it a 'game changer' is good but I hope our negotiators don't give away too much. We need to protect small farmers and local industries. Also, any trade deal with Canada must address Khalistani extremism—economic ties can't ignore security concerns. Just saying. 🤔
This is exactly what India needs right now. With the US-China trade war uncertainty, diversifying our trade partners is smart. Canada has lithium, potash, and tech—India has a huge market and skilled workforce. Win-win if done right! 💪
Hope this means easier visas for Indian students and professionals in Canada. Many of us dream of studying or working there but the process is a nightmare. CEPA should include services and movement of people, not just goods. 🤞
Good move but I'm skeptical—Canada has been dragging its feet on trade for years. Remember the FIPA? Took forever. Let's see if Carney's 'game changer' talk actually translates into action. But at least the tone is positive now after the frosty period. 🤞
As someone in the textile export business, this is very promising. Canadian market has high demand for Indian apparel and home textiles. If we can get tariff relief under CEPA, it'll be a huge boost for MSMEs in Surat, Tirupur, and Ludhiana. 🤗 🇮🇳
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