Canada remains optimistic that it can conclude a comprehensive trade agreement with India before the end of 2026 as the two countries deepen cooperation across energy, critical minerals and investment.
Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said during a visit to Mumbai that Ottawa believes negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, can be completed in the coming months.
The agreement is part of a broader effort to expand bilateral commerce. Canada has set a goal of increasing two-way trade with India to C$70 billion annually by 2030, compared with C$30.4 billion in goods and services trade in 2025.
Energy and strategic resources are becoming increasingly important to the relationship. Canadian and Indian officials have identified LNG, nuclear energy and critical minerals among areas for greater investment and supply-chain cooperation. Earlier this year, the countries also announced a broader strategic energy partnership that included uranium, LNG, LPG, hydrogen and renewable energy.
For businesses, a completed CEPA could reduce trade barriers and improve market access across goods, services and investment.
The next milestone will be whether negotiators can convert the current political commitment into finalized terms before year-end.
