In Ottawa, Mark Carney hailed the potential free trade agreement with India as transformative during discussions with India’s commerce minister, Piyush Goyal. The leaders of both nations are working towards finalizing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) within the year, a move Carney believes could significantly benefit Canadian sectors such as energy, agriculture, technology, and education through enhanced opportunities for workers and businesses.
Piyush Goyal, who brought greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasized the focus on bolstering long-term bilateral relations and expediting the trade talks. Canada’s international trade minister, Maninder Sidhu, was also present, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the negotiations. The two countries have already completed two rounds of discussions, with Canada preparing to host the subsequent round.
Accompanying Goyal on his visit is a substantial business delegation from India, comprising over 100 representatives engaging in trade and investment dialogues planned in Toronto. This reflects the robust interest in strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
During his visit, Goyal also held meetings with Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand and agriculture minister Heath MacDonald. These discussions are part of a broader strategy to deepen cooperation across various sectors, showcasing the renewed vigor in India-Canada relations.
The rekindled diplomatic engagement marks a notable improvement following tensions in 2023, which arose from allegations concerning the killing of Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India had dismissed the claims made by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. However, relations have warmed since Carney’s appointment in 2025, paving the way for the relaunch of CEPA talks and a promising future for bilateral cooperation.