In a significant development for international trade, Mark Carney hailed a proposed free trade agreement with India as a transformative opportunity during discussions in Ottawa with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The talks centered around the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with both nations hopeful of concluding the deal by the end of the year. Carney emphasized that the agreement could unlock substantial benefits for Canadian industries, particularly in energy, agriculture, technology, and education sectors.
India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, conveying greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighted the focus on enhancing long-term bilateral cooperation and expediting trade negotiations. The discussions were also attended by Canada’s international trade minister, Maninder Sidhu. Both parties noted that two negotiation rounds have already been completed, and Canada is slated to host the upcoming session.
Accompanying Goyal on his visit to Canada is a large business delegation from India, comprising over 100 representatives. They are engaging in trade and investment discussions scheduled in Toronto, aiming to bolster economic ties between the two countries. The engagement also included meetings between Goyal and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald, targeting enhanced cooperation across diverse sectors.
This renewed diplomatic engagement signifies a positive shift in India-Canada relations, which had been strained since 2023 following allegations concerning the killing of Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, accusations that India had firmly denied. The relationship began to improve notably after Carney assumed office in 2025, paving the way for reactivated CEPA negotiations and stronger bilateral ties.