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India-Canada Trade Boost: Piyush Goyal to Lead High-Stakes Delegation Amid Growing Ties

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had a productive talk with Canada's Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu. They're laying the groundwork to start formal negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Goyal plans to personally lead a major trade and investment mission to Canada next year. This push comes as trade between the two nations is already growing strongly, hitting nearly $24 billion.

Key Points: Piyush Goyal Maninder Sidhu Discuss CEPA Plans India Canada Trade

  • Ministers discussed launching CEPA trade agreement negotiations to deepen economic ties
  • Bilateral trade in goods and services reached USD 23.66 billion in 2024, a 10% yearly increase
  • Collaboration is eyed in critical minerals, clean energy, and AI technologies
  • The meeting follows a joint statement identifying trade as the cornerstone of bilateral growth
2 min read

Piyush Goyal discusses trade ties with Canadian counterpart; to lead high-level delegation to Canada next year

Piyush Goyal announces a high-level trade delegation to Canada after talks on a CEPA. Bilateral trade hit $23.66 billion in 2024, with focus on tech and energy.

"We undertook initial scoping and broad discussions on the overall approach, contours, macro objectives and modalities as part of preparations for the launch of CEPA negotiations. - Piyush Goyal"

New Delhi, December 4

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held a discussion with Canada's Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu to advance bilateral trade and commercial engagement between the two countries and announced plans to lead a high-level trade and investment delegation to Canada in the new year.

In a social media post, Goyal said he held a productive discussion with Minister Sidhu to advance the trade and commercial engagement with Canada.

He stated, "We undertook initial scoping and broad discussions on the overall approach, contours, macro objectives and modalities as part of preparations for the launch of CEPA negotiations. Also agreed to lead a high-level trade and investment delegation to Canada in the new year".

The meeting comes as bilateral trade between India and Canada continues to gain momentum.

As per the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the bilateral trade in goods and services reached USD 23.66 billion in 2024, with merchandise trade valued at nearly USD 8.98 billion, marking a substantial 10 per cent increase over the previous year.

Earlier, on November 24, while addressing the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber in New Delhi, Goyal said that India sees considerable scope for collaboration with Canada in critical minerals, mineral processing technologies, clean energy, nuclear energy and supply-chain diversification.

He highlighted that India offers strong advantages in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, machine learning and next-generation data centres, supported by the world's largest annual pool of STEM graduates.

He added that Canada and India are natural allies whose complementary strengths create significant opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.

Before this engagement, Canada's Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, Maninder Sidhu, undertook an official visit to India from 11 to 14 November 2025.

The visit followed the direction provided by the Prime Ministers of the two countries during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 meeting in Kananaskis, Canada, and the Foreign Ministers Joint Statement "Renewing momentum towards a stronger partnership" of October 13, which identified trade as the cornerstone of bilateral economic growth and resilience.

During the visit, the two trade ministers held the 7th edition of the Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment (MDTI).

The Canadian ministers reaffirmed the strength and continuity of the India-Canada economic partnership and reiterated their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation through sustained dialogue, mutual respect and forward-looking initiatives.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone with family in both countries, I'm glad to see dialogue continuing. The focus on STEM graduates is our biggest strength. Canadian investment in Indian tech can create so many jobs. Let's hope the political noise doesn't overshadow this economic partnership.
P
Priya S
Good to see trade talks progressing. However, I hope our ministers also firmly discuss the issue of extremist elements operating freely on Canadian soil. Economic ties are important, but national security and respect for our sovereignty cannot be compromised. The relationship needs to be balanced.
R
Rohit P
$23+ billion in trade is no small number! Canada needs our IT talent and we can benefit from their resources. Win-win. The delegation should focus on making it easier for Indian professionals to work there. That will be the real game-changer.
M
Meera T
Complementary strengths indeed. India's youth and tech capability combined with Canada's natural resources and research institutions can do wonders. Hope the CEPA negotiations start soon and are fair. Our farmers' interests must be protected in any agreement.
D
David E
Building bridges through trade is always sensible. The world is moving towards regional partnerships and supply chain diversification. India and Canada as "natural allies" makes strategic sense. This is a mature approach to diplomacy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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