New Delhi, September 19, 2026: Canada has expressed optimism that its ongoing trade negotiations with India could be concluded by the end of 2026, as both countries work to deepen their economic relationship and expand opportunities for businesses, investors and exporters.
Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said Saturday that he remained optimistic about completing negotiations for a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) before the end of the year. His comments came after the two countries completed their fourth round of negotiations in New Delhi.
Fourth Round of Negotiations Completed
The latest round of India-Canada trade negotiations was held from September 14 to 19, with officials discussing several areas that could form part of the proposed agreement.
The negotiations cover a wide range of subjects, including trade in goods and services, investment, market access and other economic issues. Both sides have been working to accelerate discussions after renewed efforts to strengthen bilateral economic relations.
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Canadian Trade Minister Sidhu have been involved in discussions aimed at moving the negotiations forward. The two governments have indicated that they want to create a framework that can increase two-way trade while opening additional opportunities for businesses in both countries.
The proposed CEPA is expected to address tariffs and market-access barriers while creating a broader framework for commercial cooperation.
Energy Becomes Key Area of Cooperation
Energy is emerging as one of the significant areas in the renewed India-Canada economic relationship.
Canada is looking to expand its presence in India’s growing energy market, while Indian companies are exploring opportunities in Canada’s energy sector. Discussions include potential cooperation involving liquefied natural gas, uranium and nuclear energy.
Canada has substantial natural resources and is seeking to build stronger long-term partnerships with major energy-consuming economies. India, meanwhile, is looking to diversify its energy supplies and strengthen its energy security as demand continues to rise.
The two countries have already taken steps toward greater cooperation in the nuclear sector. A long-term uranium supply agreement with Canadian company Cameco was announced earlier this year, highlighting the potential scale of future energy cooperation.
Critical Minerals and Investment Opportunities
Critical minerals are another major component of the expanding economic relationship. Demand for minerals used in batteries, electronics, electric vehicles and clean-energy technologies has increased globally, making secure supply chains increasingly important for major economies.
Canadian officials have said Indian companies are exploring investment opportunities in Canada’s critical-mineral sector. Companies including Reliance Industries, Mahindra & Mahindra and JSW Group have been linked to potential investment discussions.
For India, Canadian mineral resources could support the country’s expanding manufacturing and clean-energy industries. For Canada, greater Indian investment could provide additional capital and strengthen its economic links with one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing major economies.
$70 Billion Trade Target by 2030
The trade negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of growing bilateral commercial activity. India and Canada have set their sights on significantly increasing trade between the two countries over the coming years.
Two-way trade in goods and services reached around $30.4 billion in 2025, according to Canadian government figures. Canada has set a target of increasing annual bilateral trade with India to approximately $70 billion by 2030.
The proposed CEPA is viewed as one potential mechanism for helping achieve that target by reducing barriers and providing businesses with greater certainty.
Indian officials are expected to continue negotiations with their Canadian counterparts in the coming months. Another round of discussions and high-level political engagement could determine how quickly remaining issues are resolved.
While Canada remains optimistic about reaching an agreement by the end of 2026, the deal has not yet been finalized. Negotiators still need to reach consensus on outstanding provisions before the proposed trade pact can be formally concluded.
