Ottawa: India and Canada have signalled renewed momentum in bilateral trade negotiations, with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighting progress towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
In a post on X on Monday (local time), Goyal said he met Prime Minister Carney and conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while discussing ways to further deepen bilateral ties.
“Called on the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark J Carney, and conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Fondly recalled his recent visit to India, which has imparted fresh momentum and renewed confidence to the India-Canada partnership,” Goyal said.
He added that both sides held forward-looking discussions on strengthening cooperation and expressed optimism about the early conclusion of the India-Canada CEPA, which he said would open new avenues of growth and prosperity for both countries.
Responding on X, Prime Minister Carney described the proposed trade agreement as a “game changer” for Canadian workers and businesses, noting its potential to unlock access to a large new market.
“We’re negotiating a free trade deal with India. This will be a game changer for Canadian workers and businesses—unlocking a massive new market,” Carney said.
He further stated that negotiations were progressing rapidly, with both sides exploring collaboration across sectors including energy, agri-food, technology, and education.
“We’re working fast—I met Minister @PiyushGoyal to review our progress so far and explore the opportunities ahead for both our countries in energy, agri-food, tech, and education,” he added.
Earlier, Piyush Goyal began a three-day visit to Canada as both countries intensify efforts to reset bilateral relations and aim to conclude the CEPA by the end of the year.
Speaking alongside Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, Goyal highlighted recent efforts to rejuvenate ties, including Canadian Prime Minister Carney’s visit to India in February 2026, which he said helped set a new direction for the partnership.
“Our Prime Ministers have tasked us with not only completing the free trade agreement before the end of this year or earlier, but also tripling bilateral trade from the current USD 17 million to USD 50 million by 2030,” Goyal said.
He also noted that he was accompanied by the largest-ever Indian business delegation to Canada, comprising 112 companies, underscoring strong private sector interest in the partnership.
Goyal expressed confidence that under the leadership of Minister Maninder Sidhu, both sides would make rapid progress in strengthening economic relations.