India, Canada aim to finalise balanced CEPA by end-2026 after trade talks: Piyush Goyal

India and Canada are aiming to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said as he met Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu in Ottawa today.  

“Held constructive bilateral discussions this morning in Ottawa with Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Mr. Maninder Sidhu, on advancing the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations,” Goyal wrote on X. 

Currently, Goyal is on a three-day visit to Canada with the largest-ever Indian business delegation to the country, comprising industry leaders from over 100 companies, in a major push to revive and deepen bilateral economic engagement.  

The visit, covering Ottawa and Toronto, is focused on accelerating negotiations for the proposed India-Canada CEPA and expanding cooperation across sectors, including trade, investment, technology, agriculture and strategic industries. 

During his visit to Ottawa, Goyal held a series of high-level meetings with senior Canadian leaders and ministers. He also held a meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors and advancing the proposed free trade agreement.  

A “game changer” deal for both countries 

Prime Minister Carney described the CEPA as a potential “game changer” that could unlock significant market opportunities for both countries.  

“We’re negotiating a free trade deal with India. This will be a game changer for Canadian workers and businesses — unlocking a massive new market. We’re working fast — I met Minister @PiyushGoyal to review our progress so far and explore the opportunities ahead for both our countries in energy, agri-food, tech, and education,” Carney wrote on X.  

According to the official release, the two sides directed negotiating teams to work towards a commercially meaningful and ambitious agreement that delivers benefits to businesses and citizens in both nations. 

In talks with Sidhu, Goyal reviewed the progress made in CEPA negotiations and explored opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment flows. Both ministers reiterated their resolve to conclude the agreement by the end of 2026. 

Focus on agriculture and strategic sectors 

Goyal also met Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald, with discussions centred on food security, sustainability and agri-technology cooperation. Both sides explored opportunities in food processing and agricultural integration, which officials said could help improve incomes for Indian farmers and producers. 

In another key meeting with Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand, the Indian minister highlighted opportunities for Canadian investments in India’s infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, digital infrastructure, and consumer sectors. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic and strategic ties. 

India and Canada currently have bilateral trade of around ₹8.5 billion and have set a target to increase it to ₹50 billion by 2030.