India–New Zealand FTA Emerges as Model for Canada–India Trade Deal Push

Toronto- The recently signed free trade agreement between India and New Zealand is being seen as a potential blueprint for a future trade deal between Canada and India, as Ottawa looks to fast-track its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations with New Delhi. Experts and policy analysts believe the swift conclusion of the India–New Zealand FTA offers valuable lessons for Canada in achieving its ambitious target of finalising a deal by 2026.

According to the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada, the agreement demonstrates that long-stalled negotiations can be successfully revived and concluded quickly if both sides adopt a pragmatic approach. Talks between India and New Zealand had initially begun in 2010 but were revived only recently, leading to a final agreement within nine months—a timeline that observers say Canada could learn from.

Industry voices, including those from the Canada-India Foundation, noted that New Zealand’s flexible stance—such as offering 100% duty-free access and accepting asymmetry in tariff structures—helped accelerate the deal. These moves are being viewed as key strategic compromises that Canada may need to consider while negotiating with India.

The push for a CEPA gained momentum following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during a bilateral meeting in New Delhi earlier this year. Both leaders have set a target to boost bilateral trade from approximately CA$31 billion in 2024 to CA$70 billion by 2030.

However, challenges remain, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and labour mobility, which are expected to be key sticking points during negotiations. Analysts also highlighted that political will and sustained high-level engagement will be crucial in maintaining momentum.

With upcoming visits by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to Canada and Canada’s Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu to India, diplomatic engagement is expected to intensify. Experts believe that strong political backing, combined with business participation, could play a decisive role in shaping the final agreement.