India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced hopes to launch Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with Canada during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s official visit to India. The talks aim to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation, building on commitments made at the G20 Summit in 2025.
India is preparing to initiate formal FTA negotiations with Canada, timed with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to New Delhi later this week. Trade Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that both nations are working to finalize terms and launch discussions, signaling a renewed push toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The move follows earlier commitments by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Carney at the G20 Summit in 2025, where both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening trade ties. Ahead of the visit, Goyal also held discussions with Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, reaffirming shared goals of expanding cooperation in goods, services, and investments.
Major Takeaways
-
India hopes to launch FTA talks with Canada during PM Carney’s visit
-
Piyush Goyal confirms readiness to finalize terms and begin negotiations
-
Discussions build on commitments made at the G20 Summit in 2025
-
Canada’s Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu and Goyal held preparatory talks
-
Proposed CEPA to cover goods, services, and investment flows
-
Move expected to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation
Conclusion
The anticipated launch of India-Canada FTA talks marks a pivotal step in strengthening bilateral relations. If successful, the agreement could unlock new opportunities in trade, investment, and technology collaboration, reinforcing India’s global trade strategy while deepening ties with Canada.
Sources: ThePrint, Canada.ca, ET Government