Business · Trade · 57 mins ago
India and Canada aim to conclude trade pact talks before Modi's visit
India and Canada are trying to finalise a trade pact called the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA.
On November 11, India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met Canada's International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu to discuss moving the negotiations forward.
Canada's high commissioner said the countries are close to agreeing on a final text, with another round of talks due this week.
The aim is to improve access to each other's markets and create more opportunities for trade and investment.
The pact could mark a step forward in relations after a period when ties were described as fragile but have since improved.
The leaders could announce the negotiations' conclusion during Narendra Modi's December 11-12 visit to Canada, according to the high commissioner.
The agreement would still need to be ratified, and that process would take time because provincial governments are involved.
India and Canada are seeking to advance negotiations on a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Canada’s high commissioner to India, Christopher Cooter, said Ottawa was confident the deal’s final text could be ready before Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Canada next month.
The two countries’ trade ministers discussed advancing the negotiations and expanding trade and investment.
The agreement would still need to be ratified after negotiations conclude.
- Who
- India and Canada, represented in talks by their trade ministers and Canadian high commissioner Christopher Cooter.
- What
- They are negotiating a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to boost trade and investment.
- When
- The discussions took place on November 11, 2026; Modi is due to visit Canada on December 11-12.
- Where
- India. The location of the ministers’ meeting is not stated.
- Why
- The proposed agreement aims to increase two-way commerce and investment and create opportunities for trade.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met visiting Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu to discuss advancing CEPA negotiations.
The sixth round of India-Canada trade negotiations was scheduled to take place.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit Canada, where the negotiations could be announced as successfully concluded.
- Agreement
- Proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
- Indian minister
- Piyush Goyal
- Canadian minister
- Maninder Sidhu
- Negotiations
- Sixth round scheduled for the week of November 11, 2026
- Modi’s visit
- December 11-12, 2026
5 sources
Canada trade talks include movement of professionals
India, Canada trade pact talks may conclude by December: Canadian Minister
Confident of trade pact ahead of PM Modi's trip: Canada envoy
What people are saying
I think we can be pretty confident that the final text will be there
Reaffirmed our shared commitment to taking the India-Canada economic partnership to new heights, with CEPA serving as a catalyst for deeper commercial engagement and shared prosperity.
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Had a warm and engaging breakfast meeting with Mr. Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade of Canada, and the accompanying Canadian delegation to discuss advancing negotiations on the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and strengthening our