India, Canada race to seal trade deal; trade minister to visit New Delhi again in October
India Canada Race to Seal Trade Deal Before Modi Visit
Bharatmorning.com – The India Canada race to seal a comprehensive trade agreement is gathering pace as both countries seek to conclude negotiations before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected visit to Canada in December. Canadian trade minister Maninder Sidhu is likely to return to New Delhi in mid-October as talks move closer to the political stage.
Sidhu’s planned trip would be his second visit to India in less than a month. It is expected to follow the fifth round of negotiations for the proposed India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, scheduled to begin in Canada on October 5.
Ministers expected to address remaining issues
After the negotiating round, Sidhu is expected to meet commerce minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. Officials have made progress on many parts of the agreement, but unresolved and politically sensitive matters may require direct ministerial engagement.
“Obviously, with a trade deal, it isn’t done until there is agreement on all issues. But both sides are intent on concluding the negotiations as soon as possible,” a person familiar with the discussions said.
The India Canada race to seal the deal reflects a shared effort to give the CEPA negotiations greater momentum. Goyal has said that the discussions will gain “political heft” as the two trade ministers become more directly involved.
Canadian trade mission set for October
Sidhu’s visit is expected around October 15 and will coincide with a large Canadian trade delegation travelling to India. The mission is intended to identify investment opportunities and strengthen commercial ties between companies in both countries.
Commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal may also meet senior Canadian trade officials while travelling through Canada en route to Mexico. India is separately negotiating a bilateral trade agreement with Mexico.
The renewed engagement follows the fourth CEPA negotiating round in New Delhi from September 14 to 18. Sidhu met Goyal in Mumbai soon afterward, where both sides underlined the need for stronger political momentum in the talks.
Business ties focus on key growth sectors
During his Mumbai programme, Sidhu met representatives linked to Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Integrated Health System, the JSW group and CAE. Discussions covered possible cooperation in life sciences, clean technology, energy transition and aerospace.
Sidhu said he looked forward to leading the Canadian trade mission in October to build closer business connections and create opportunities for Canadian companies in India.
India had earlier sent a major business delegation to Canada during Goyal’s visit from May 25 to 27. The delegation included industry leaders from more than 100 companies and marked a step toward wider economic engagement.
Trade target set at $70 billion by 2030
Both governments aim to raise bilateral trade to $70 billion by 2030. India-Canada goods and services trade reached $30.4 billion in 2025, including $13.6 billion in merchandise trade.
Canada exported merchandise worth $3.9 billion to India, including vegetables, mineral fuels and oils, and wood pulp. Indian merchandise exports to Canada totalled $9.7 billion and included precious stones, metals, machinery and pharmaceuticals.
Energy is likely to be an important area of opportunity. India could purchase Canadian energy in significant quantities, while a CEPA could give businesses a clearer framework for investment, market access and longer-term commercial arrangements. The final benefits will depend on the terms agreed by both governments.
India-Canada Trade Deal FAQ
What is the proposed India-Canada CEPA?
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is a proposed trade pact intended to expand economic cooperation between India and Canada. Negotiations cover trade and other commercial issues, with final details still subject to agreement.
Why is October important for the negotiations?
The fifth negotiating round is scheduled to begin in Canada on October 5, followed by a possible mid-October visit to New Delhi by Maninder Sidhu. These meetings could help move unresolved matters to ministerial discussions.
What could the agreement mean for businesses?
If concluded, the agreement could support clearer rules and greater commercial opportunities in areas such as energy, life sciences, clean technology, aerospace, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Its effect will ultimately depend on the final CEPA provisions.
With negotiators and ministers preparing for further talks, the India Canada race to seal an agreement has become a central part of efforts to deepen bilateral economic ties before Modi’s expected December visit.
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