Canada and India may conclude the comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) by the end of this year. The agreement will enable both countries to expand the trade ties which took back seat after allegations of transnational crime and foreign interference by India in Canada during the Trudeau government. 

This week,  Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, welcomed Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, and the largest-ever trade delegation from India to Canada—or anywhere in the world. The visit builds on the renewed commitment by both countries to advance commercial ties and accelerate progress toward doubling bilateral trade by 2030.

In Ottawa, Minister Sidhu and Minister Goyal held a series of bilateral meetings to discuss opportunities for expanded trade and investment, including ongoing work toward the comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), expected to conclude by end of this year.

Minister Sidhu also hosted a reception for Minister Goyal, bringing together government officials and senior business leaders to highlight the growing commercial partnership between Canada and India.

In Toronto, the Ministers joined more than 200 Canadian and Indian business leaders at the ministerial plenary of the Trade and Investment Forum, where they highlighted both countries’ priorities in trade and investment.

Minister Sidhu and Minister Goyal met with representatives of companies and investors to discuss new commercial and investment opportunities. The Ministers also participated in a round table with Canada’s long-term institutional investors, as well as sessions focused on promoting key sectors that include energy, critical minerals, digital technologies, agri-food and education.

At the conclusion of the visit, Minister Sidhu and Minister Goyal issued a joint statement reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties and delivering tangible outcomes that support economic growth and increased commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Canada’s engagements with India continue to see positive momentum along a two-track approach: one pursuing stronger economic engagement for the benefit of workers and businesses in both countries, and another through which we will maintain a constructive dialogue on security and law enforcement.

Finally, Minister Sidhu announced that he is looking forward to bringing a business delegation to India later this year.

“Canada and India share a strong, growing economic partnership that is creating real opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses. Minister Goyal’s visit underscores our shared commitment to advance the CEPA trade negotiations, double two-way trade and deepen our commercial ties as Canada diversifies its global trade. Canada is a stable and reliable partner, open for business and investment, and we look forward to building a more prosperous and secure economic future for both our countries," Minister Sidhu said.