Key Takeaways
- Canada and India have completed four rounds of negotiations on their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
- Both countries remain committed to concluding the CEPA negotiations by the end of 2026.
- Canada's International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is scheduled to lead a Team Canada Trade Mission to India next month.
Canada and India Complete Four Rounds of Trade Talks
Canada and India have completed four rounds of negotiations on the proposed CEPA.
The agreement is intended to strengthen the trade and economic relationship between the two countries. Global Affairs Canada said both sides remain committed to completing the negotiations by the end of 2026.
The official CEPA page currently lists the agreement's status as "In negotiations."
Canada Plans Trade Mission to India
Canada's International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is scheduled to lead a Team Canada Trade Mission to India next month.
The mission is part of Canada's efforts to strengthen commercial ties with India while negotiations on the proposed trade agreement continue.
The government has not officially announced a December visit to Canada by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi or a specific date for signing the CEPA.
Trade Agreement Remains Under Negotiation
The Canada-India CEPA remains under negotiation rather than being a completed trade agreement.
The two countries have previously set a goal of concluding the negotiations by the end of 2026. The latest Global Affairs Canada update confirms that discussions are continuing toward that target.
The negotiations are part of broader efforts to strengthen economic ties between Canada and India.
Canada and India Continue High-Level Engagement
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have also discussed strengthening bilateral relations and advancing economic cooperation.
During their June 2026 meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to concluding CEPA negotiations in 2026. They also discussed future high-level visits, with both sides indicating that diplomatic channels would be used to determine a mutually convenient date.
The March 2026 Canada-India joint statement also identified the end of 2026 as the target for concluding CEPA negotiations.
What Happens Next
Canada and India will continue negotiations as they work toward their end-2026 target.
Canada's upcoming Team Canada Trade Mission to India is expected to provide another opportunity for businesses and government representatives from both countries to strengthen commercial connections.
For now, the official status of the Canada-India CEPA remains "In negotiations." A specific date for signing the agreement has not been confirmed by the official Canadian sources cited here.