Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Canada in December, a development confirmed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The announcement comes as both nations are intensifying efforts to finalize a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026. Carney, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, highlighted the progress in ongoing negotiations with India, underscoring the importance of the bilateral relationship for trade, investment, and security.
The anticipated visit would be Modi’s first standalone bilateral trip to Canada since 2015, coinciding with the G20 summit scheduled in Miami. This visit follows Modi’s participation in the G7 summit in Canada in June 2025, where discussions with Carney focused on strengthening ties between the two countries.
Negotiations for the CEPA are advancing, with the fifth round of discussions slated to begin on October 5. Both countries are committed to expediting talks, having completed a fourth round earlier this month. The agreement aims to significantly expand trade and investment, with Canada targeting a doubling of two-way trade with India to C$70 billion annually by 2030. As of 2025, trade in goods and services between the two nations was valued at C$30.4 billion.
This renewed economic engagement marks a shift from several years of diplomatic strain. Efforts to rebuild the relationship have been evident since Carney’s visit to India in March 2026, during which both sides agreed to accelerate CEPA negotiations and broaden cooperation in sectors such as energy, technology, artificial intelligence, and defense.
The upcoming visit and ongoing negotiations signal a mutual commitment to enhancing diplomatic and economic ties, reflecting a strategic partnership aimed at fostering growth and collaboration across multiple sectors. As negotiations continue, both countries remain focused on achieving a comprehensive agreement to benefit their economies and strengthen bilateral relations.