Canada India CEPA Talks Resume as Minister Leads 300-Member Business Delegation to India

Canada’s Trade Minister, Maninder Sidhu, is scheduled to visit India this month with a business delegation of roughly 300 Canadian officials as both countries prepare to resume negotiations on the planned Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The visit comes as New Delhi and Ottawa aim to finalise a trade pact by the end of 2026 and strengthen economic connections between the two countries.

Sidhu announced the impending trade trip after meeting with India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Milwaukee on Thursday. The two ministers talked about the continuing negotiations and how to speed up work on the planned accord.

Canada India CEPA Talks to Resume on October 5

The next round of Canada-India CEPA talks is planned to commence on October 5 in Ottawa, Canada. Negotiators from both countries will continue to work for an agreement before the end of the year.

Sidhu stated that he met with Goyal after the fourth round of negotiations in Mumbai. The most recent meeting allowed both sides to analyse their progress and prepare for the next round of conversations.

In a post on X, Sidhu stated that the two countries were trying to accelerate negotiations and bring the accord closer to completion. He also emphasised the necessity of maintaining momentum as both administrations seek common trade goals.

The proposed CEPA is intended to improve market access, encourage investment and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries. The upcoming negotiations are expected to focus on moving the agreement forward, although the final terms will depend on discussions between the two sides.

Canada Brings Nearly 300 Business Delegates to India

As part of its efforts to deepen trade ties, Canada will send a major corporate delegation to India this month. Sidhu will lead the Team Canada Trade Mission, which will bring together over 300 representatives from Canadian companies working in a variety of sectors.

The delegation’s goal is to assist Canadian firms in forming new alliances, connecting with potential customers, and pursuing investment opportunities in India. India’s increasing economy and rising demand in a variety of industries have made it a popular location for Canadian businesses looking to extend their global footprint.

Sidhu stated that the mission would encompass essential minerals, energy, agriculture, and technology. He stated that Canada was looking to assist its companies in developing long-term business connections and expanding their footprint in India.

The visit will also allow enterprises from both countries to explore avenues of collaboration outside traditional trade. Business leaders are expected to use the expedition to discover possible partners and make commercial contacts in their respective industries.

India and Canada Target Higher Bilateral Trade by 2030

India and Canada intend to dramatically enhance their bilateral trade by 2030. Sidhu stated that two-way trade between the countries currently surpasses 30 billion Canadian dollars. He noted that both parties have set a common goal of attaining 70 billion Canadian dollars by 2030.

The two countries announced plans to sign a trade pact in March 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney inaugurated the CEPA initiative to boost economic cooperation and commerce.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has also emphasised the need to expedite negotiations. He stated that both countries desire an early completion to the accord.

The proposed agreement is expected to benefit businesses by increasing trade opportunities and attracting investment. However, both parties must still conclude negotiations and finalise the details of the agreement.

The next round of Canada-India CEPA talks, held in Ottawa on October 5, will provide another opportunity to make progress. At the same time, Sidhu’s business delegation will concentrate on developing commercial relationships and finding new opportunities in India. Both moves are part of a larger attempt to improve commercial connections between the two countries.