India-Canada CEPA Talks Progress

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Between India and Canada

1. Overview of CEPA Negotiations:

   • Third round of CEPA talks held in Ottawa from July 6 to 10, 2026.
   • Aims to finalize the agreement by year-end, focusing on trade relations and market access.

2. Objectives of CEPA:

   • Enhance transparency and predictability in trade.
   • Provide preferential market access for Canadian goods and services in India.
   • Strengthen access to Indian supply chains and support resilient supply chains globally.

3. Benefits for Both Countries:

   • India offers market scale and long-term demand.
   • Canada contributes capital and technology.
   • Agreement expected to create opportunities for Canadian businesses, workers, and families by reducing trade barriers.

4. Political Context:

   • Efforts to rebuild ties following tensions in 2023, including allegations against the Indian government related to a separatist leader's death.
   • Positive momentum observed post-meeting between PM Modi and Canadian PM Carney at the G7 Summit in June 2025.

5. Future Engagements:

   • Canadian Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, will lead a business delegation to India in October 2026.
   • Continued structured economic dialogue and rebuilding of trust emphasized.

6. Key Economic Sectors for Collaboration:

   • Energy, critical minerals, agri-food, digital and clean technologies, education, and services highlighted as areas for deeper economic cooperation.
   • Emphasis on sustainable growth and broader global stability through collaborative efforts.

7. Historical Context:

   • 15 years of attempts to formalize a trade arrangement based on economic complementarity.

8. International Relations:

   • CEPA viewed as an essential step in restoring bilateral relations and enhancing economic dialogue amidst global geopolitical challenges, including U.S. tariffs and energy supply issues in West Asia.

This summary highlights the critical aspects of the ongoing CEPA negotiations between India and Canada, focusing on trade, economic collaboration, and the political backdrop influencing these discussions.