Archive · 27 Dec 2025
India-Canada FTA Talks May Resume
India and Canada might start talking about a big trade deal again.
The Indian minister, Piyush Goyal, might go to Canada in February to discuss this.
They stopped talking for over two years because of some big arguments between the two countries.
Now, they want to start again and make it easier for both countries to trade things.
They might talk about how to make trade cheaper and easier, but they might not talk about protecting investors right away.
The last time they talked was a few weeks ago, and they are trying to figure out how to move forward.
India and Canada may resume free-trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Piyush Goyal potentially visiting Canada in February.
Chief negotiators held virtual discussions last week to design the agenda for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa).
Negotiations were stalled for over two years due to a diplomatic spat over the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Focus will be on reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, with potential discussions on increasing investments.
A bilateral investment treaty (BIT) for investor protection may not be prioritized at this stage.
- Who
- Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, India and Canada
- What
- Potential resumption of free-trade agreement (FTA) negotiations
- When
- February 2024 (potential visit), last week (virtual discussions)
- Where
- Canada (potential visit), virtual discussions
- Why
- To restart negotiations for a comprehensive trade deal and address trade barriers
- Countries Involved
- India and Canada
- Agreement Type
- Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa)
- Potential Visit
- Piyush Goyal to Canada in February
- Negotiation Focus
- Reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers
- Previous Stalled Date
- June 2023
- Reason for Stalling
- Diplomatic spat over Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing
- Last Virtual Meeting
- Last week (as of the article's date)