India and Canada stepped up trade negotiations in Ottawa, with both countries aiming to conclude CEPA talks soon and sharply expand business and investment cooperation.
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to New Delhi this week, the symbolism extended far beyond diplomatic protocol.
Addressing the India-Canada CEO Forum, Modi said the relationship was entering a transformative phase marked by renewed trust and clarity, despite global economic uncertainty.
Multiple MoUs on critical minerals, renewable energy and innovation were signed in Delhi, with both sides aiming to scale trade and strategic cooperation across key sectors.
The leaders reviewed trade targets, business engagement and strategic cooperation, signalling a cautious effort to rebuild dialogue after a diplomatic downturn in 2023.
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).
The Canadian government announced in a release that its PM will arrive in India on February 26, and will later travel to Australia and Japan, to unlock new opportunities for Canada, its workers and businesses across trade, energy, technology, and defence.
Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik said that deals on uranium, energy, minerals and artificial intelligence are likely to be signed between India and Canada during Carney's visit.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada has no intention of pursuing a free-trade deal with China, and a recently signed deal with Beijing amounted to a rectification of existing issues.
The United States will levy 100% tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the country, if Canada will take forward its partnership with China.
