India and Canada Launch Talks on Comprehensive Trade Deal
India and Canada have agreed to begin negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aiming to strengthen bilateral trade and strategic cooperation. The announcement followed a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.
The proposed CEPA seeks to double bilateral trade, targeting US$50 billion by 2030. The agreement is designed to provide clear rules for businesses, establish formal dispute resolution mechanisms, and safeguard investments, creating a more predictable framework for trade between the two nations.
Beyond trade in goods, both countries plan to deepen cooperation in civil nuclear energy, defence, and space sectors, unlocking new avenues for strategic collaboration. Officials described the agreement as a milestone in resetting relations, which had faced challenges under the previous Canadian administration.
Analysts note that Canada is keen to diversify its trade partnerships, and India’s growing expertise in technology and renewable energy makes it an attractive partner. Negotiators from both sides are expected to engage in detailed discussions in the coming months to finalize the CEPA framework.
