India-Canada Trade Deal Nears Finish Line

India and Canada are nearing the finalization of a comprehensive free trade agreement, with negotiations slated for conclusion by the end of 2026. This ambitious pact, a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aims to deepen economic ties between the two nations.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the leaders of both countries have set a target to triple bilateral trade from its current $17 billion to $50 billion by 2030. This goal underscores the strategic importance of the trade deal.

Currently, the third round of CEPA negotiations is taking place in Ottawa, following two prior rounds. Both sides have expressed strong optimism about reaching a balanced and beneficial agreement that will reduce trade barriers and promote investment.

Minister Goyal also engaged in discussions with Canadian counterparts on strengthening cooperation in sectors such as agriculture and agri-technology, highlighting a broad scope for bilateral collaboration beyond goods and services.