- India and Canada launched a new Trade and Investment Forum
- Both countries aim to conclude CEPA negotiations by year-end
- Canada to lead a major trade mission to India later this year
- Ministers identified clean energy, critical minerals and technology as key sectors
GG News Bureau
Torronto, 29th May: India and Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties, launching a new Trade and Investment Forum and setting a target to conclude negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026.
The announcement came following discussions between Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Canadian Minister Maninder Sidhu during the Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum.
Welcoming Goyal and what was described as the largest Indian business delegation ever sent abroad, Sidhu highlighted opportunities for deeper cooperation in sectors including clean energy, critical minerals, agri-food, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and skills development.
The two ministers reiterated their commitment to advancing an ambitious and mutually beneficial CEPA, stressing its importance in expanding market access, strengthening supply chains and supporting two-way economic growth.
As part of efforts to deepen commercial engagement, both countries officially launched the Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum, which will serve as a platform for business leaders from both nations to develop new partnerships and expand trade opportunities.
The ministers also emphasised the importance of improving connectivity between India and Canada through stronger people-to-people ties, greater business mobility and enhanced commercial linkages.
Sidhu announced that Canada will lead a Team Canada Trade Mission to India later this year, reflecting growing interest among Canadian businesses in expanding their presence in the Indian market.
Both sides agreed to encourage long-term investments in priority sectors and strengthen collaboration between businesses, innovators and institutional partners.
The ministers also committed to maintaining regular dialogue and working towards concrete outcomes to further strengthen economic relations between the two countries in the coming months.
