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India-Canada Trade Talks Accelerate Ahead of Modi’s December Trip
India and Canada are trying to finish a large trade agreement.
Their officials have been negotiating for several years.
The next round of talks is planned for October 5 to 9 in Canada.
Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu may visit India soon afterward.
He is expected to meet India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
Officials say many important issues have already been settled.
Some remaining issues may need decisions by the ministers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit Canada in December.
The two countries hope the agreement can be completed by the end of 2026.
Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu may visit India around October 15 for further trade discussions.
The fifth round of India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement talks is scheduled for October 5-9 in Canada.
Officials reportedly say most key issues have been resolved, but some matters require political-level intervention.
India and Canada aim to conclude the trade negotiations by the end of 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December, potentially coinciding with the signing of the agreement.
- Who
- India, Canada, Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- What
- The two countries are accelerating negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA.
- Where
- The fifth round is planned in Canada; Sidhu may visit New Delhi, following earlier talks in Mumbai.
- When
- The fifth negotiating round is scheduled for October 5-9, with Sidhu’s possible visit around October 15 and Modi’s expected visit in December.
- Why
- Both governments want to fast-track negotiations and resolve remaining issues before concluding the agreement.
Key facts
- Agreement
- India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
- Next negotiation round
- Scheduled for October 5-9 in Canada
- Possible ministerial visit
- Maninder Sidhu may visit India around October 15
- Target completion
- Both governments aim to conclude negotiations by the end of 2026
- Earlier talks
- Sidhu and Piyush Goyal met in Mumbai on September 18-19
- Potential signing
- The agreement could potentially be signed during Narendra Modi’s expected December visit to Canada
- Major Indian exports
- Pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, seafood, cotton garments, electronic goods, and chemicals
Quotes
Piyush Goyal
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister
“Both sides have resolved to fast-track negotiations, in view of which our team is now slated to go for the fifth round on October 5.”
livemint.com
“...the next 90 days should be a very defining period in the Canada-India relationship.”
livemint.com
A person familiar with the planning
A source familiar with planning for the India-Canada trade negotiations
“Obviously, with a trade deal, it isn’t done until there is agreement on all issues. But both sides are intent on concluding the negotiations as soon as possible.”
livemint.com
Sources
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