Stories
India and Canada Target End-2026 CEPA Deal to Double Bilateral Trade
- •India and Canada completed the fifth round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in Ottawa, aiming to finalize a deal by the end of 2026.
- •Both nations are looking to more than double their bilateral trade from C$30.4 billion in 2025 to C$70 billion by 2030.
- •Energy security, critical minerals, and aerospace have taken centre stage in the trade discussions, with Canada positioned as a long-term supplier for India.
- •The proposed pact aligns with Canada's broader strategy to diversify its export markets beyond the United States and deepen engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
- •High-level diplomatic visits, including those by Canadian ministers, continue to drive momentum toward a commercially meaningful agreement.
Key Questions Answered
Following the completion of the fifth round of negotiations in Ottawa from October 5 to 9, 2026, India and Canada are targeting a trade deal by the end of 2026. Both countries aim to more than double their bilateral trade from C$30.4 billion in 2025 to C$70 billion by 2030.
Energy security and critical minerals have emerged as major priorities in the negotiations. Canada is positioned as a potential long-term supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG), while critical minerals cooperation will support advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies, and industrial applications.
The proposed pact reflects Canada's broader effort to diversify its export markets, reduce economic dependence on the United States, and deepen engagement across the Indo-Pacific. For India, closer economic ties offer wider access to resources, technology, investment, and global supply chains.
