Ahead of Canadian PM Mark Carney’s India visit later this week, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Monday held a virtual meeting with Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu to advance discussions on the proposed India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Minister Goyal posted on the social media platform X, sharing details of the virtual interaction with Sidhu. He further stated that the two leaders deliberated on strengthening business ties on both sides through regular delegation-level engagements over the coming months to build sustained momentum in the economic partnership.
Had a virtual interaction with @MSidhuLiberal, Minister of International Trade, Canada, on advancing discussions related to the India–Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
We also deliberated on strengthening business ties on both sides through regular… pic.twitter.com/f0esTHSSoy
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 23, 2026
Expressing optimism about building momentum in the trading relationship with India, Sidhu echoed similar sentiments in a statement posted online following the meeting.
He said, “I spoke with my Indian counterpart, Minister Piyush Goyal, to continue advancing discussions towards a CEPA trade agreement. With more than USD 30 billion in annual bilateral trade between Canada and India, there is strong potential to unlock new opportunities for Canadian exporters, strengthen commercial ties, and drive growth for businesses and workers in both countries”.
I spoke with my Indian counterpart, Minister Piyush Goyal, to continue building momentum in our trading relationship and advancing discussions towards a CEPA trade agreement.
With more than $30 billion in annual bilateral trade between Canada and India, there is strong… pic.twitter.com/6hzY0enomL
— Maninder Sidhu (@MSidhuLiberal) February 23, 2026
India and Canada began CEPA negotiations in 2010, but talks stalled several times over the years due to various challenges. However, efforts to revive the agreement gained fresh momentum in November when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to formally relaunch trade negotiations.
The proposed CEPA is likely to cover trade in goods and services, investment flows, agriculture, and digital commerce, among other sectors. It aims to double bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.