During discussions in Ottawa, Mark Carney highlighted a potential free trade agreement with India as a “game changer” while meeting with India’s commerce minister, Piyush Goyal. Both leaders expressed optimism about finalizing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of the year. Carney emphasized that the agreement could significantly benefit Canadian sectors such as energy, agriculture, technology, and education, creating new opportunities for workers and businesses.
Piyush Goyal brought greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and confirmed that the talks centered on strengthening long-term bilateral cooperation and speeding up trade negotiations. Canada’s international trade minister, Maninder Sidhu, also took part in the discussions. The two nations have already completed two rounds of negotiations, with Canada preparing to host the next round soon.
Accompanying Goyal on his visit to Canada is a substantial business delegation from India, comprising over 100 business representatives. These delegates are engaging in trade and investment discussions scheduled to take place in Toronto, aiming to build on the momentum of the negotiations and deepen economic ties between the two countries.
In addition to his meeting with Carney, Goyal also had discussions with Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand and agriculture minister Heath MacDonald. These meetings are part of a broader effort to strengthen collaboration across various sectors, including agriculture and foreign affairs. The renewed focus on bilateral relations marks a positive shift following previous tensions between India and Canada.
The improvement in diplomatic relations comes after a period of tension in 2023, related to allegations concerning the killing of Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, accusations that India had firmly denied. The diplomatic thaw began after Carney assumed office in 2025, leading to a renewed engagement and the revival of CEPA negotiations.
