Canada Positions Itself as Reliable Economic Partner for India Amid CEPA Talks

Toronto, October 3, 2026: Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu has described Canada as a “trusted and reliable long-term economic partner” for India as both countries continue negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Sidhu made the remarks after meeting India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers’ gathering in Milwaukee on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by Global Affairs Canada, the two ministers discussed bilateral trade and investment priorities as negotiations between the two countries move forward.

Canada to Lead Major Trade Mission to India

Sidhu is scheduled to lead a Team Canada Trade Mission to India from October 12 to 16, bringing nearly 300 Canadian business delegates from key sectors.

The mission is expected to provide Canadian companies with opportunities to establish business connections, identify new customers and explore investment and trade opportunities in India.

According to the report, the delegation will be Canada’s largest-ever trade mission to India. The Canada-India Business Council (C-IBC) is playing an important role in organising the mission.

C-IBC President and CEO Victor Thomas said the upcoming mission reflected the potential for further growth in trade and investment between the two countries.

CEPA Negotiations Continue

The planned trade mission comes as India and Canada continue negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.

Sidhu visited India in September and participated in the conclusion of the fourth round of CEPA negotiations. The fifth round of talks is scheduled to take place from October 5 to 9.

Global Affairs Canada said Sidhu had emphasised the importance of working towards a mutually beneficial agreement by the end of 2026.

The negotiations were revived following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025. Formal negotiations were subsequently launched during Carney’s visit to India in March 2026.

Leaders Set Year-End Target

Modi and Carney have set a target of concluding the CEPA negotiations by the end of the year.

The two leaders also discussed the negotiations during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Evian, France, in June. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of the talks and reiterated their commitment to developing a forward-looking strategic partnership.

The leaders have indicated that they would like the negotiations to conclude ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami in December.

The proposed Canadian trade mission and continuing CEPA negotiations come as India and Canada seek to expand bilateral economic engagement and create greater opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.