Canada sets October 5–9 negotiating round for India trade pact
A newly specified negotiating window and October trade-mission dates give Canadian exporters concrete milestones as the proposed India pact advances.
Canada has specified October 5 to 9 for the fifth negotiating round of its proposed comprehensive economic partnership agreement with India. Global Affairs Canada's October 2 readout places a dated next step on the negotiating calendar, following discussions between International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu and India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal at the G20 trade meeting in Milwaukee. [1]
The Trade Commissioner Service lists the Team Canada Trade Mission for October 12 to 17, with Mumbai and Bengaluru as its destinations. It identifies aerospace, clean technologies, information technologies, life sciences, forestry and agri-food among the priority sectors. The mission is intended to help Canadian businesses develop longer-term trade and investment opportunities while CEPA negotiations continue. [3]
Canada's October readout identifies energy, critical minerals and other commodities as areas where Canadian supply could meet Indian demand. Those are cooperation priorities rather than new tariff concessions. The statement confirms continued political engagement without announcing negotiated market-access terms. [1]
The schedule builds on the September ministerial engagement in Mumbai, when Canada reported that four negotiating rounds had been completed. Ottawa's broader strategy includes expanding exports beyond the United States. The September release put two-way Canada-India goods and services trade at C$30.4 billion in 2025 and merchandise trade at C$13.6 billion, giving the negotiations a substantial existing commercial base. [2]
Canada's longer-term objective remains C$70 billion in annual two-way trade with India by 2030. The September release places that goal within Canada's effort to expand exports beyond the United States over the next decade. It is an intended commercial expansion, rather than a result already achieved; the proposed agreement remains a negotiation toward that objective. [2]