In a recent meeting in Ottawa, Mark Carney emphasized the potential impact of a proposed free trade agreement with India, describing it as a “game changer.” His discussions with India’s commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, centered on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with both parties hopeful of finalizing the deal within the year. Carney highlighted that the agreement could significantly benefit Canadian workers and businesses, particularly in the energy, agriculture, technology, and education sectors.
During the talks, Goyal, who conveyed greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stressed the importance of strengthening long-term bilateral cooperation and accelerating trade negotiations. Canada’s international trade minister, Maninder Sidhu, also participated in the discussions. Both countries have confirmed that two rounds of negotiations are already complete, and Canada is set to host the next round.
Accompanying Goyal on his visit to Canada is a major business delegation from India, consisting of over 100 business representatives. This delegation is involved in trade and investment discussions that are scheduled to take place in Toronto. As part of efforts to deepen cooperation across various sectors, Goyal also held meetings with Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand and agriculture minister Heath MacDonald.
The renewed momentum in negotiations marks a positive shift in India-Canada relations, which had previously been strained. In 2023, tensions rose following allegations concerning the killing of Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, accusations that India firmly rejected. Relations began to improve after Mark Carney assumed office in 2025, leading to a revived diplomatic engagement and the relaunch of CEPA negotiations.