Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Canada in December as India and Canada work towards completing a major trade agreement.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday that he is looking forward to hosting Modi in Canada. He also said both countries are making good progress in their trade negotiations.
The proposed visit could give both sides an opportunity to finalise the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Read More: President Murmu in Gujarat for 72nd National Film Awards Ceremony
India-Canada Trade Talks Make Progress
Carney said India and Canada want to reach a trade agreement by the end of 2026. The two countries launched formal CEPA negotiations earlier this year.
During Carney’s visit to India in March, both governments agreed to work towards concluding the negotiations by the end of 2026. The agreement covers a broad range of economic issues and aims to strengthen bilateral trade and investment.
The leaders later reviewed progress during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France in June. They reaffirmed their shared objective of completing the CEPA negotiations this year.
Carney Says Relations Are Improving
Carney described the relationship between India and Canada as important. He said the two countries were making progress in their economic discussions.
The Canadian Prime Minister has also been seeking to diversify Canada’s trade partnerships. His government has placed greater emphasis on expanding trade beyond the United States.
India forms an important part of that strategy. Canada has identified India as a major market for expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Trade Deal Could Expand Economic Ties
The proposed CEPA could create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
India and Canada have complementary economic strengths. Areas of cooperation include energy, agriculture, technology, critical minerals and manufacturing.
Canada has also highlighted its energy resources and critical minerals. Indian companies, meanwhile, have shown interest in investment opportunities in Canada.
The two countries have already expanded cooperation in several areas. During Carney’s March visit, India and Canada signed an agreement on critical minerals and announced a long-term uranium supply agreement worth $2.6 billion.
Energy and Critical Minerals in Focus
Energy cooperation has emerged as an important part of the renewed India-Canada relationship.
Canadian officials have highlighted opportunities involving liquefied natural gas, nuclear energy and critical minerals. Indian companies are also exploring investment opportunities in Canada’s resource sector.
The two countries have discussed strengthening supply chains for critical minerals. Such cooperation could support industries that depend on minerals used in clean energy, electronics and advanced technologies.
Canada has also expressed interest in expanding exports to India as part of its wider trade diversification strategy.
October Talks to Continue
The next phase of India-Canada trade negotiations is expected to continue in the coming months.
Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said last week that Canada remained optimistic about concluding the CEPA by the end of 2026. Indian negotiators are expected to visit Canada as the discussions continue.
The negotiations will need to resolve remaining differences before the two governments can finalise the agreement.
Modi’s Possible Visit Could Mark Next Step
A December visit by Modi could coincide with the next stage of the trade negotiations. Reports have indicated that both sides are looking at a meeting around the G20 summit in December.
Canada had formally invited Modi to visit the country during Carney’s March visit to India. The two leaders later agreed to remain in contact through diplomatic channels to settle a mutually convenient date.
If the December visit takes place, trade and economic cooperation are expected to feature prominently in discussions.
India-Canada Relations Enter New Phase
India-Canada relations have seen significant diplomatic challenges in recent years. However, both governments have taken steps to improve engagement and rebuild economic ties.
High-level meetings have increased, while discussions on trade, energy, technology and critical minerals have gained momentum.
The proposed CEPA now represents one of the major economic initiatives between the two countries. Both sides have set an end-2026 target for completing negotiations.
With Modi’s possible December visit and further trade talks ahead, India and Canada are working towards a broader economic partnership. The final outcome will depend on how the two sides address the remaining issues in the negotiations.