India and Canada are intensifying negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu slated to visit New Delhi in mid-October. This visit is set to follow the fifth round of CEPA negotiations scheduled from October 5 in Canada, where Sidhu will meet with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
The discussions aim to resolve outstanding issues at the ministerial level, as both nations strive to finalize the agreement promptly. The CEPA initiative, which began in March 2026, has seen four rounds of talks so far, with the latest held in New Delhi from September 14 to 18. The agreement is intended to bolster bilateral trade and investment, with a target to elevate trade from the $30.4 billion recorded in 2025 to $70 billion by 2030.
The ongoing trade talks are part of broader efforts to strengthen India-Canada economic relations, exploring collaboration in sectors such as energy, clean technology, life sciences, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. The anticipated October visit will also see a Canadian trade delegation visiting India to investigate business and investment opportunities, further cementing the relationship between the two countries.
Officials from both sides have indicated progress on several critical issues, but acknowledge that the remaining challenges require high-level discussions. This renewed focus on trade comes as both nations look to expand their economic ties and achieve their mutual goal of increased bilateral trade by the end of the decade.