India-Canada Trade Deal Gains Momentum
New Delhi: The relationship between India and Canada is showing encouraging signs, with Canadian High Commissioner Chris Cooter expressing optimism about concluding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026. He believes this timeline is “very realistic,” thanks to strong support from both nations’ leaders and ongoing negotiations.
Cooter’s comments came after a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G7 Summit in France, where both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to finalizing the CEPA talks this year.
“The desire is there from both Prime Ministers to make this happen,” Cooter stated in an interview. He emphasized that the political will is strong, and both countries recognize the need for the agreement.
A joint press release from India’s Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the positive progress in various areas of economic cooperation, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and metallurgical coal.
Cooter noted that businesses in both countries are eager to see the agreement finalized. He pointed out that while trade between India and Canada is respectable, it has the potential to grow much more. Canada currently has around $109 billion invested in India, which makes up about 25% of its total investments in the Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, Indian investments in Canada are approximately $11 billion.
He described the current trade relationship as “modest” compared to what could be achieved, particularly in sectors like critical minerals, defense, and aerospace.
Cooter explained that CEPA would aim to do more than just reduce tariffs. “This agreement is about creating a broader free trade framework that benefits both sides,” he stated.
Recently, Indian Union Minister Piyush Goyal visited Canada, leading the largest Indian business delegation ever, highlighting India’s commitment to strengthening ties. During his visit, he met with Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu to discuss the advancements being made in the partnership.
Goyal mentioned the significant changes that followed Prime Minister Carney’s visit to India earlier this year, which he believes has set a new course for the relationship with clear objectives. He noted that both countries aim not only to complete the trade agreement by the end of this year but also to triple their trade from $17 million to $50 million by 2030.
During the G7 summit, Prime Minister Carney also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Canada later this year, marking another step in solidifying the growing partnership between India and Canada.
