Since 2010, Canada and India had been engaged in trade talks. However, in 2023, Ottawa halted the discussions after Canadian authorities alleged that India was involved in the June 2023 killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver.
India and Canada have signaled renewed momentum in their bilateral trade negotiations, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasizing a fresh push for a free trade deal between Ottawa and New Delhi. Carney stated that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) would prove to be a game-changer for Canadian workers and businesses, opening up a vast new market.
The Canadian Prime Minister’s remarks came following a meeting with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who is currently on a visit to Canada.
In a post on X, the Canadian leader wrote, “We are moving fast—I met with Minister Piyush Goyal to review our progress to date and to explore future opportunities for both our countries in the energy, agri-food, tech, and education sectors.”
Accompanying Goyal were over 100 senior business representatives from India’s mining, energy, automotive, and aerospace sectors; New Delhi describes this delegation as its largest-ever business delegation to Canada.
Renewed Momentum in India-Canada Relations
Following his meeting with Carney, Goyal remarked that the Canadian Prime Minister’s visit in late February—the first visit by a Canadian Prime Minister in eight years—had “completely transformed the way Canada and India view each other.”
“This is a partnership that is being reset very, very rapidly,” Goyal said.
“It has paved the way to completely transform this relationship, setting new agendas and new goals.”
While discussing ways to deepen ties between the two nations, the Commerce Minister also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings to Carney. He met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark J. Carney and conveyed warm greetings to him on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Writing on X, he remarked, “Fondly recalling his recent visit to India, which has infused the India-Canada partnership with fresh momentum and renewed confidence.”
In Ottawa, Goyal met with Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand. He is also scheduled to meet with CEOs of major corporations, startups, and pension funds. Goyal stated that both nations are working towards tripling their bilateral trade to reach $50 billion USD by 2030.
Prior to his meeting with Carney, Goyal expressed that both countries are keen to reach a Free Trade Agreement this year.
India-Canada Trade Negotiations
Canada and India have been engaged in trade negotiations since 2010. In 2023, Ottawa suspended the talks after Canadian officials alleged that India was involved in the assassination of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver in June of that year.
New Delhi vehemently denied these allegations and accused the government of former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of harboring Sikh extremists associated with the Khalistan movement.
Relations improved following Carney’s assumption of office—the highest-ranking diplomatic post in Canada. During his visit to India, Carney met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and both sides signed several agreements—including a deal worth 2.6 billion Canadian dollars (1.9 billion USD) to supply India with approximately 22 million pounds (10 million kilograms) of uranium for nuclear energy generation.
Earlier this month, a Canadian delegation was in New Delhi for trade negotiations, and another Indian delegation plans to visit Canada later this year to continue the discussions.
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