Canada Opens Public Consultations Ahead of India Trade Talks

 Global Affairs Canada announced the consultations following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s agreement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pursue a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The move comes after earlier negotiations stalled, with both sides now seeking a broader agenda covering goods, services, investment, and sustainable development. Canada is inviting businesses, civil society, and citizens to share perspectives on opportunities and challenges in deepening economic ties with India.  

Notable updates  
• Consultations open from Dec 13, 2025 to Jan 27, 2026 via Canada Gazette and Global Affairs portal  
• Aim: shape Canada’s negotiating priorities for CEPA with India  
• Talks expected to restart in early 2026 with a more ambitious agenda than past efforts  
• Focus areas: trade in goods, services, investment, and sustainable development  
• Canada seeks to diversify trade beyond the U.S., while India looks to expand global partnerships  

Major takeaway  
The consultations mark a reset in India-Canada trade relations, signaling intent to build a comprehensive pact that balances economic opportunity with strategic resilience.  

Sources: Hindustan Times, Outlook Business, The Hindu BusinessLine, Global Affairs Canada, Morningstar