Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Tuesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to visit Canada in December as both nations work toward finalizing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026. This announcement was made during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, reflecting the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
The anticipated visit is set to occur around the G20 summit scheduled in Miami, marking Modi’s first standalone bilateral visit to Canada since April 2015. The two leaders previously met at the G7 summit in June 2025, where they discussed enhancing ties between India and Canada.
Negotiations for the CEPA are progressing, with the fifth round of talks set to begin on October 5, following the completion of the fourth round earlier this month. Both countries have shown a commitment to accelerating discussions, aiming to finalize the agreement by the end of 2026. The CEPA aims to significantly boost trade and investment between the two countries, with Canada targeting a doubling of bilateral trade to C$70 billion annually by 2030. In 2025, trade between the two nations amounted to C$30.4 billion.
Carney emphasized the importance of India-Canada relations for trade, investment, security, and cultural ties. This renewed focus on economic engagement follows years of diplomatic strain, with recent high-level meetings and negotiations focusing on rebuilding and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including energy, technology, artificial intelligence, and defense.
Earlier this year, Carney visited India in March, where both countries agreed to expedite CEPA negotiations and enhance collaboration in various fields. The ongoing efforts underscore a mutual desire to strengthen and rejuvenate the bilateral relationship, paving the way for potential growth in economic and diplomatic ties.