A potential free trade agreement between Canada and India has been hailed as a “game changer” by Mark Carney during discussions with India’s commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, in Ottawa. The talks centered around the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with both nations optimistic about concluding the deal by the end of the year. Carney emphasized that the agreement could unlock significant opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses across various sectors, including energy, agriculture, technology, and education.
Piyush Goyal, who conveyed greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighted the focus on bolstering long-term bilateral cooperation and speeding up trade negotiations. Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s international trade minister, also took part in the talks. Both countries confirmed the completion of two negotiation rounds, with Canada slated to host the next session.
Accompanying Goyal to Canada is a substantial business delegation from India, comprising over 100 representatives participating in trade and investment discussions in Toronto. This marks a concerted effort to enhance trade ties and explore mutual opportunities.
In addition to meeting with Carney, Goyal engaged with Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand and agriculture minister Heath MacDonald. These discussions are part of a broader initiative to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors and strengthen bilateral relations.
This renewed momentum signifies a notable improvement in India-Canada relations, which had been strained in 2023 following allegations related to the assassination of Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India had dismissed these claims made by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Relations have shown positive signs of recovery since Carney assumed office in 2025, leading to the reengagement in diplomatic dialogues and the revival of CEPA negotiations.