India and Canada are intensifying negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu scheduled to visit New Delhi in mid-October. This visit is planned to coincide with the fifth round of CEPA negotiations in Canada starting October 5, followed by discussions with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
The visit by Sidhu is also expected to align with a Canadian trade delegation’s trip to India aimed at exploring business and investment opportunities. Both nations are committed to resolving remaining issues through ministerial-level discussions to expedite the agreement’s conclusion.
Since the launch of CEPA negotiations in March 2026, India and Canada have held four rounds of talks, the latest of which took place in New Delhi from September 14 to 18. These talks are part of broader efforts to strengthen India-Canada economic relations.
The proposed CEPA seeks to enhance bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. In 2025, India and Canada recorded $30.4 billion in combined trade of goods and services. Both governments aim to increase this figure to $70 billion by 2030.
In addition to trade negotiations, India and Canada are exploring cooperation in several sectors, including energy, clean technology, life sciences, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. These efforts underscore a mutual commitment to deepening economic ties and expanding market opportunities.