Canada is preparing to send one of its largest-ever business delegations to India as the two countries push to finalize a long-awaited trade agreement before the end of the year.
Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu will lead the Team Canada Trade Mission, bringing together roughly 300 Canadian business representatives this month. The announcement came after Sidhu met with India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Milwaukee on Thursday.
The next formal round of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is scheduled to begin on October 5 in Ottawa. Negotiators from both sides will work toward completing the deal before 2027.
Accelerating the negotiations
Speaking after the fourth round of talks in Mumbai, Sidhu said both countries were determined to speed up the process and keep momentum behind the agreement. In a post on X, he emphasized that Ottawa and New Delhi are working to bring the accord closer to completion.
Goyal has echoed that urgency, saying both governments want an early conclusion to the talks. The two leaders discussed how to move the negotiations forward when they met in Milwaukee.
The proposed CEPA is designed to improve market access, encourage investment and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries. While expectations are high, the final terms will still depend on the outcome of the coming rounds.
A 300-strong delegation targets key sectors
The business mission is aimed at helping Canadian firms forge new partnerships, connect with potential customers and explore investment opportunities in India’s fast-growing economy. Sidhu said the delegation would focus on sectors including critical minerals, energy, agriculture and technology.
India’s expanding economy and rising demand across industries have made it an increasingly attractive destination for Canadian companies looking to broaden their global footprint and build long-term commercial relationships.
Ambitious trade targets
Two-way trade between Canada and India currently stands at more than 30 billion Canadian dollars. Both governments have set a shared goal of reaching 70 billion Canadian dollars by 2030.
The CEPA initiative was formally launched in March 2026 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as part of a broader effort to deepen economic cooperation. The Ottawa round on October 5 will be another key test of whether that ambition can be turned into a signed deal by year-end.
Source: Newstracker24x7