Canada, India reaffirm 2026 target for comprehensive trade pact
Canadian and Indian ministers renewed their end-2026 CEPA objective, with a Canadian trade mission planned next month to pursue commercial opportunities.
Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu met India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in Mumbai on September 21 alongside the countries’ chief trade negotiators, advancing discussions on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA). The ministers discussed stronger trade and investment ties, while Canadian officials again stated their aim of completing a mutually beneficial agreement before the end of 2026. [1]
The meeting signals continued political engagement rather than a concluded agreement or announced market-access terms. Four CEPA negotiating rounds have been completed, and officials will continue work intended to preserve momentum and narrow remaining gaps toward the year-end objective. [1]
Sidhu also said he plans to lead a Team Canada Trade Mission to India next month. Global Affairs Canada described the planned mission as an effort to deepen commercial partnerships and create opportunities for Canadian businesses, providing a near-term channel for firms to engage prospective Indian partners while negotiations continue. [1]
In Mumbai, the minister met representatives of Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Integrated Health System, JSW Group and CAE. The discussions explored collaboration in life sciences, clean technologies, energy transition and aerospace, identifying areas where a broader trade and investment relationship could support commercial links. [1]
Canada is pursuing India as part of its stated strategy to expand exports beyond the United States. In 2025, Canada-India merchandise trade totalled $13.6 billion, while combined goods and services trade reached $30.4 billion. Canadian merchandise exports to India were $3.9 billion, led by vegetables, mineral fuels and oils, and wood pulp; imports were $9.7 billion, chiefly precious stones and metals, machinery and pharmaceuticals. [1]
Ottawa’s longer-term objective is to double annual two-way trade with India to $70 billion by 2030. The September engagement keeps the CEPA timetable active and adds a planned business-outreach step, but the official statement does not set out negotiated provisions, indicate that an agreement is imminent, or establish new tariff treatment for Canadian exporters. [1]
This is an incremental negotiation milestone: ministers and chief negotiators reaffirmed an end-2026 CEPA objective and Canada announced a trade mission for the following month. It matters to Canadian firms seeking diversification and prospective partnerships in priority sectors, including clean technologies, energy transition and aerospace, but no agreement text, market-access commitment or immediate tariff change was announced. [1]