During a recent meeting in Ottawa, Mark Carney referred to a potential free trade agreement with India as a transformative opportunity. This discussion took place with India’s commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, focusing on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Both leaders expressed optimism about reaching a final agreement by the end of the year. Carney highlighted that this deal could unlock significant opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses, particularly in the energy, agriculture, technology, and education sectors.
Piyush Goyal, conveying greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasized the focus on enhancing long-term bilateral cooperation and expediting trade negotiations. The talks were also attended by Canada’s international trade minister, Maninder Sidhu. Both countries confirmed that two rounds of negotiations have already been completed and that Canada will host the upcoming session.
Accompanying Goyal on his visit to Canada is a major business delegation from India, comprising over 100 business representatives. These delegates are engaging in trade and investment discussions in Toronto aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
In addition to trade talks, Goyal met with Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand and agriculture minister Heath MacDonald, seeking to deepen cooperation across various sectors. This renewed momentum in negotiations signifies a notable improvement in India-Canada relations, which had been strained in 2023 due to allegations related to the killing of Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, accusations that India had firmly rejected at the time.
Relations have started to improve following Mark Carney’s appointment in 2025, leading to renewed diplomatic engagement and the relaunch of CEPA negotiations. This new phase of dialogue reflects a commitment from both countries to overcome past tensions and work towards a mutually beneficial economic partnership.