A potential free trade agreement with India has been hailed as a transformative opportunity by Mark Carney during discussions in Ottawa with India’s commerce minister, Piyush Goyal. The two leaders evaluated the progress of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), sharing optimism about its completion within the year. Carney emphasized that the agreement could unlock significant prospects for Canadian workers and businesses, particularly in sectors like energy, agriculture, technology, and education.
During the talks, Goyal conveyed greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasized the focus on enhancing long-term bilateral cooperation and expediting trade negotiations. Canada’s international trade minister, Maninder Sidhu, also participated in the discussions. Both nations confirmed that two negotiation rounds have already been completed, with the next round scheduled to take place in Canada.
Accompanying Goyal on his visit to Canada is a substantial business delegation from India, comprising over 100 business representatives. These delegates are set to engage in trade and investment discussions planned in Toronto. Goyal also held meetings with Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand and agriculture minister Heath MacDonald as part of a broader effort to deepen cooperation across various sectors.
This renewed momentum signifies a notable improvement in India-Canada relations, which had been strained following allegations in 2023 concerning the killing of Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India had dismissed these accusations made by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The diplomatic ties began to strengthen after Carney assumed office in 2025, leading to reinvigorated diplomatic engagement and the revival of CEPA negotiations.