Otawa.
In a major breakthrough signaling a full economic and diplomatic reset, India and Canada have fast-tracked negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed during the UN General Assembly that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December 2026 around the G20 summit period, aiming to wrap up the landmark trade pact by year-end.
Fifth Round of CEPA Talks Set for October 5
The next milestone in bilateral negotiations begins on October 5, 2026, when Indian trade negotiators travel to Canada for the fifth round of talks.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, alongside Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, noted that the fourth round concluded productively in mid-September. Goyal emphasized that the coming 90 days will mark a defining period in shaping the future of India-Canada economic ties.
Key Pillars of the Proposed CEPA Framework
The renewed CEPA framework aims to double two-way goods and services trade significantly over the coming decade. Key sectors under negotiation include:
- Energy & Critical Minerals: Securing Canadian supply chains for lithium, uranium, and clean energy tech.
- Trade in Goods: Lowering tariff barriers for Indian pharmaceuticals, iron, steel, and seafood, alongside Canadian pulses, coal, and fertilizers.
- Technology & AI Partnerships: Broadening innovation channels in software, artificial intelligence, and aerospace.
- Services & Investment: Enhancing legal safeguards for cross-border investments and market access.
Bilateral Trade Overview
| Metric / Sector | Strategic Value |
| Bilateral Goods Trade (FY2025-26) | ~$8.0 Billion (India Exports: $4.67B |
| Two-Way Goods & Services (2025) | $30.4 Billion (Targeting $70 Billion by 2030) |
| Top Indian Exports | Pharmaceuticals, Iron & Steel, Electronics, Apparel |
| Top Canadian Exports | Pulses, Coal, Fertilisers, Crude Petroleum |
A Historic Diplomatic Reset
After trade talks were paused during diplomatic tensions in 2023, re-engagement gathered significant momentum following PM Mark Carney’s visit to India in March 2026. The formal signing or conclusion of CEPA during PM Modi’s planned December visit would mark his first standalone bilateral engagement in Canada since 2015.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the India-Canada CEPA?
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a bilateral trade pact designed to lower tariffs, remove market access barriers, and boost investment across trade, energy, services, and critical minerals between India and Canada.
Q2: When will the fifth round of India-Canada CEPA negotiations begin?
The fifth round of talks is scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026.
Q3: When is PM Narendra Modi expected to visit Canada?
PM Modi is expected to visit Canada in December 2026, aligned around the December G20 summit period.
Q4: What are the main products traded between India and Canada?
India exports pharmaceuticals, iron, steel, seafood, and electronics to Canada. Canada supplies India with pulses, coal, fertilizers, crude petroleum, and gemstones.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational and analytical purposes based on official announcements and reported government data as of September 2026. Final terms, timelines, and signing schedules of the trade agreement remain subject to ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
