Canada, India Push to Finalise Trade Deal by Year-End
MUMBAI, September 20, 2026 — Canada remains optimistic about concluding negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India by the end of this year, as both countries seek to expand trade and investment ties across key sectors.
Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said he was confident that the negotiations could be completed in the coming months. The latest round of talks between the two countries concluded in New Delhi on September 19, with officials continuing work toward the year-end target.
The proposed CEPA is intended to strengthen market access and create additional opportunities for businesses in both countries. Canada has said it aims to increase two-way trade with India to US$70 billion annually by 2030, compared with US$30.4 billion in goods and services trade recorded in 2025.
Energy has emerged as a major area of cooperation, with discussions covering liquefied natural gas (LNG), nuclear energy and other energy supplies. Canadian officials said Indian companies are exploring opportunities to access and invest in Canadian LNG projects.
Canada is also seeking to expand cooperation with India in nuclear energy. India is planning to significantly increase its nuclear power capacity, while Canada has longstanding expertise and companies operating across the nuclear supply chain.
Critical minerals are another important component of the growing economic relationship. Sidhu said major Indian business groups, including Reliance Industries, Mahindra & Mahindra and JSW Group, are exploring investments in Canadian critical mineral projects as companies seek to strengthen and diversify supply chains.
The two countries have also established a broader framework for cooperation in strategic sectors. During Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s March visit to India, the governments announced a Strategic Energy Partnership covering areas including LNG, LPG, uranium, solar and hydrogen, alongside cooperation on critical minerals.
A major uranium supply agreement between India and Canada’s Cameco was also announced during the March visit, valued at C$2.6 billion and covering supplies from 2027 to 2035.
Indian trade negotiators are expected to travel to Canada next month, while the leaders of the two countries could hold further discussions on the sidelines of the G20 gathering in December.
The negotiations come as Canada seeks to broaden its international trade relationships and reduce reliance on its traditional markets, while India continues to expand commercial partnerships in energy, technology, manufacturing and strategic resources.
Both governments have identified the CEPA as a mechanism to improve market access, strengthen supply chains and encourage greater two-way investment.
