Canada, India Target Year-End Trade Pact
Canada, India Target Year-End Trade Pact
Anonymous
Key Points
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Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said she expected to meet India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during the U.N. high-level week to discuss the CEPA, while their recent talks also covered bilateral cooperation and the situation in Ukraine.
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The negotiations have already reached a fourth round, and Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu emphasized that sustained, face-to-face engagement would be necessary to maintain momentum toward an agreement.
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Canada’s LNG push includes a Shell-led export facility that began operating last year, with five additional projects at different stages of development; Ottawa is discussing with Indian companies both access to and investment in those projects.
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The current year-end target follows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s March visit to New Delhi, when the two countries agreed to seek a finalised free-trade agreement by the end of the year.
Canada and India are racing to finalize a major trade agreement by year's end, with talks covering far more than tariffs. The two countries logged $30.8 billion in two-way trade in 2024 and want to double that to $70 billion by 2030, according to ANI News. Indian negotiators plan to visit Canada next month, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi may travel to Canada in December to seal the deal.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) extends into energy, minerals, defense, and technology. Canada wants India to invest in LNG projects and help expand its nuclear supply chain, while major Indian firms like Reliance Industries and Mahindra & Mahindra are eyeing Canadian critical-mineral investments, according to Voice Online.
Momentum Building Toward December Finish Line
Talks have already reached a fourth round of negotiations. News18 reports that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said India trade talks are making "good progress." Both countries agreed in March to lock in a finalized agreement by year's end, and leaders may discuss it at the G20 summit in mid-December.
Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu stressed that face-to-face meetings are crucial to keep the deal on track. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand expects to meet India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during upcoming U.N. talks to advance the CEPA further.
Canada's LNG Projects Attract Indian Capital
Canada operates one Shell-led LNG export facility that started last year and is developing five more projects at various stages. AJC reports that Canadian officials are pitching Indian companies on both purchasing LNG and investing in these projects. India's massive energy demands make it an attractive buyer for Canadian exports.
The potential partnership would help Canada scale its LNG industry while giving India reliable long-term energy supplies. This aligns with both nations' push to diversify energy sources and strengthen economic ties beyond traditional goods trade.
Critical Minerals and Nuclear Energy Drive Talks
Beyond energy, the CEPA covers nuclear cooperation and critical minerals—materials vital for batteries, electronics, and renewable energy. Canada is seeking Indian participation in its nuclear supply chain expansion. Meanwhile, Indian conglomerates are exploring investments in Canadian critical-mineral mining and processing.
This reflects a broader strategy by both countries to secure supply chains for technologies essential to clean energy and defense. The talks also span agriculture, aerospace, and defense sectors, making the CEPA one of the most comprehensive economic agreements either nation is currently pursuing.
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