Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Modi’s Expected Canada Visit Tied to Accelerating India Trade Deal
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December.
The exact dates for the visit have not been decided.
The visit may happen near the G20 summit, which will be held in Miami on December 14–15.
India and Canada are working on a large trade agreement called the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Their next set of talks is planned for October 5–9.
The countries want to finish the deal quickly, although their official deadline is the end of 2026.
The agreement could cover products, services, investments and other cooperation.
The trade effort is also part of an attempt to improve relations after a serious disagreement over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December, although exact dates have not been finalized.
India and Canada aim to conclude negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by the G20 summit or later this year, while their formal target remains the end of 2026.
The fifth round of negotiations is scheduled for October 5–9, following the completion of four rounds.
The proposed agreement would cover goods, services, investment and broader economic cooperation, as both countries seek to expand trade.
The renewed engagement follows a diplomatic rupture over the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, amid allegations India has denied.
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Indian and Canadian trade negotiators.
- What
- India and Canada are accelerating negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, alongside plans for Modi to visit Canada.
- When
- The fifth negotiation round is scheduled for October 5–9; Modi’s expected visit is in December, around the December 14–15 G20 summit.
- Where
- Carney discussed the plans on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York; the G20 summit is scheduled for Miami, and Modi’s expected visit would be in Canada.
- Why
- The countries want to expand trade and economic cooperation, diversify commercial relationships and improve bilateral ties after the 2023 diplomatic dispute.
Canadian Position
Indian Position
Nijjar killing allegations
Canadian Position
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged credible links or possible involvement by Indian government agents in Nijjar’s killing, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police later said it had evidence allegedly linking Indian agents to homicides and other violence.
Indian Position
India rejected the allegations, denied involvement in Nijjar’s killing and accused Canada of harboring Sikh separatists.
Trade priorities
Canadian Position
Canada views India as an important market as it seeks to expand non-US trade and reduce dependence on the United States.
Indian Position
India views Canada as a source of energy, critical minerals and investment, while the broader relationship also includes technology, artificial intelligence and defence cooperation.
Deal timeline
Canadian Position
Carney said the two countries are aiming to conclude negotiations by the G20 summit, while the formal bilateral commitment is to finish by the end of 2026.
Indian Position
Indian officials have reportedly indicated that the agreement could be completed by November, with Modi visiting Canada in December to sign it.
- Expected visit
- Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December, but the exact dates have not been finalized and India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not publicly confirmed the visit.
- G20 summit
- The summit is scheduled for December 14–15 at Trump National Doral in Miami, United States.
- Next negotiation round
- The fifth round of CEPA negotiations is scheduled for October 5–9, with Indian negotiators traveling to Canada.
- Negotiation deadline
- Carney said the countries aim to conclude talks by the G20 summit or later this year; both governments have also committed to completing negotiations by the end of 2026.
- Agreement scope
- The proposed CEPA is expected to cover goods, services, investment and other areas of economic cooperation.
- Trade ambitions
- Reports cite a Canadian target of $70 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030, while another report cites a $50 billion target.
- Diplomatic backdrop
- Relations deteriorated after the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia; Canadian officials alleged possible links to Indian agents, while India denied involvement.
Sources
'Looking forward to hosting him': Mark Carney confirms PM Modi's Canada visit in December, CEPA likely to be signed
PM Modi To Visit Canada In December, Carney Says India Trade Talks Making 'Good Progress'
Canada, India Aim to Wrap Up Trade Talks by G20: Carney
PM Modi likely to visit Canada in December: What’s on agenda as Carney eyes India-Canada trade deal around G20
'Look Forward to Hosting Him': Canadian PM Carney Says PM Modi to Visit Canada in December as Both Nations Seek to Lock Trade Deal
Canadian PM "Looking Forward" To Host PM Modi, Says "Aim To Wrap Trade Talks"
