Piyush Goyal Leads 150 Indian Business Leaders To Canada For CEPA Trade Talks

India and Canada are reviving economic engagement after a period of diplomatic chill. Piyush Goyal’s visit, accompanied by top industry leaders, is expected to impart fresh momentum to bilateral trade, investment, and strategic cooperation. Meetings are scheduled in Ottawa and Toronto with Canadian ministers, business leaders, and industry associations.

Focus On CEPA Negotiations

• India and Canada signed Terms of Reference for CEPA during Canadian PM Mark Carney’s visit to India in March 2026.
• The first round of talks was held virtually in March, followed by a second round on May 8, 2026.
• A further round of negotiations will take place in Ottawa from May 25–29, 2026.
• Both sides aim to conclude CEPA by end of 2026, targeting CAD 70 billion (₹4.65 lakh crore) trade by 2030.

Trade And Investment Goals

• Current bilateral trade: USD 8.5 billion in FY25.
• Target: USD 50 billion in five years.
• Canadian pension funds and companies have invested USD 100 billion in India.
• Around 600 Canadian companies operate in India, with a goal to expand to 1,000 companies.

Priority Sectors For Cooperation

• Energy and critical minerals: Canada seen as a reliable partner for uranium and rare earths.
• Technology and AI: Collaboration in innovation and digital transformation.
• Food processing and agriculture: Leveraging complementary strengths in agri-tech and supply chains.
• Clean energy: Joint initiatives in renewable energy and sustainability.
• Textiles and leather: New opportunities for Indian exporters under CEPA.

Visit Highlights

•⁠  ⁠Piyush Goyal to visit Canada May 25–27 with 150 business leaders

•⁠  ⁠CEPA negotiations to continue in Ottawa, aiming for conclusion by end of 2026

•⁠  ⁠Bilateral trade target set at USD 50 billion in five years

•⁠  ⁠Canadian investments in India already at USD 100 billion

•⁠  ⁠Cooperation focus: energy, critical minerals, technology, clean energy, food processing, textiles

•⁠  ⁠Meetings scheduled with Canadian PM Mark Carney and Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu

Sources: The Hans India, Mint, Moneycontrol, Business Today, The Tribune, The Economic Times