With an aim of boosting trade, India and Canada have discussed expediting negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which seeks to provide deeper market access for each other’s goods and services. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with his Canadian counterpart, Maninder Sidhu. Goyal said the focus is on a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement that enhances market access and unlocks new trade and investment opportunities.
He expressed confidence that the CEPA would give fresh momentum to bilateral trade and strengthen the economic partnership for shared prosperity. A CEPA is a type of free trade agreement under which two trading partners significantly reduce or eliminate import duties on a wide range of goods traded between them. It also eases norms to promote trade in services and investment.
The meeting assumes significance as chief negotiators from both countries concluded the fifth round of negotiations on the pact in Canada on October 9, 2026. Both sides aim to conclude the negotiations by the end of this year. Bilateral trade in goods declined around 8 per cent to $7.95 billion in 2025-26 from over $8 in 2024-25.
