As India and Canada work to strengthen their economic and diplomatic ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December. This visit coincides with ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which both countries aim to finalize by the end of 2026.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted the progress in these negotiations during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Carney emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship, which spans trade, investment, security, and cultural ties. Modi’s visit is anticipated around the time of the G20 summit in Miami, marking his first standalone bilateral visit to Canada since 2015.
The upcoming fifth round of CEPA negotiations is set to begin on October 5, following a successful fourth round earlier this month. Both nations have agreed to expedite discussions to achieve their goal of concluding the agreement by the designated timeline. The partnership aims to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment, with Canada targeting an increase in two-way trade with India to C$70 billion annually by 2030.
Economic and diplomatic relations between India and Canada have been on the mend after years of strain. Carney’s visit to India in March 2026 set the stage for accelerated CEPA negotiations and expanded cooperation in areas such as energy, technology, artificial intelligence, and defense.
In 2025, the trade in goods and services between the two countries amounted to C$30.4 billion. The renewed engagement between the two nations underscores their commitment to rebuilding a robust partnership that benefits both economies and strengthens ties across multiple sectors.
