India Canada to Fast-Track CEPA Talks as 90-Day Period Begins

India and Canada fast-track CEPA negotiations, with the fifth round beginning October 5 and both sides targeting a comprehensive trade agreement by the end of 2026.

India and Canada agree to accelerate negotiations for a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with the next round of talks scheduled to begin on October 5. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal says the coming 90 days represent an important period for advancing bilateral economic engagement.

Goyal makes the remarks after completing the fourth round of discussions with Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu in Mumbai. Both sides agree to fast-track the negotiations, with Indian negotiators scheduled to travel to Canada for the fifth round. The two governments have set an objective of concluding the CEPA by the end of 2026.

Also read: India Targets 200 Chip Design Startups Under Semicon India 2.0

The renewed momentum follows the formal relaunch of the CEPA process earlier this year. India and Canada sign the Terms of Reference for the trade agreement on March 2, 2026, establishing the framework and approach for negotiations covering trade in goods, services and other mutually agreed areas. The agreement is intended to provide a broader framework for expanding bilateral economic relations.

The trade negotiations follow a period of disruption in bilateral economic engagement. India and Canada conduct nine rounds of negotiations between 2022 and 2023 before the process pauses in August 2023 amid strained bilateral relations. Engagement gains momentum again in 2025, leading to the renewed CEPA process in 2026.

Bilateral trade remains a key component of the discussions. According to Commerce Ministry data, India-Canada merchandise trade reaches about $8 billion in 2025-26, with Indian exports valued at $4.67 billion and imports at $3.28 billion. India's major exports include pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, seafood, garments, electronics and chemicals, while imports include pulses, coal, fertilisers, petroleum products and other commodities.

Also read: How AI Is Reinventing the Future of Manufacturing

The broader economic agenda also includes energy, nuclear cooperation and critical minerals. Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu says these areas are part of ongoing discussions, while Indian companies explore investment opportunities in Canadian critical-mineral projects and energy-related ventures.

The latest acceleration comes alongside wider efforts by both countries to strengthen bilateral economic and strategic engagement. In June, Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney review progress in CEPA negotiations and reaffirm their shared objective of concluding the agreement in 2026.