India, Canada push for early CEPA deal as Modi and Carney seeks to double trade by 2030

Ottawa [Canada]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirm their commitment to conclude negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the earliest opportunity during a phone conversation on October 13. The leaders aim to build on improving bilateral engagement and support efforts to double two-way trade by 2030.

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The two prime ministers welcome increased engagement over the past year across finance, defence and security, artificial intelligence and people-to-people ties. They agree to pursue concrete outcomes across these areas, signalling a broader effort to strengthen bilateral relations alongside trade negotiations.

The leaders also welcome the ongoing Team Canada Trade Mission to India, led by Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, and the visit of Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to New Delhi. The engagements are expected to advance shared priorities in trade, energy and people-to-people exchanges.

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CEPA is central to the countries’ economic agenda. The proposed agreement aims to expand market access and create new opportunities for trade and investment. Both governments have previously set an objective of expanding bilateral trade to CAD 70 billion, or approximately ₹4.65 lakh crore, by 2030.

The leaders also discuss geopolitical instability in the Indo-Pacific and the importance of reliable partners in energy and agriculture. They welcome the recent bilateral security dialogue in India, reflecting continued engagement on security and law-enforcement issues.

The conversation comes ahead of Modi’s planned visit to Canada in December. While both sides signal urgency in concluding CEPA, negotiations remain ongoing, and no final agreement is announced. The outcome will depend on the two governments reaching mutually acceptable terms on market access and other trade provisions.

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