As Canada and India seek to strengthen their economic ties, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December. This visit is anticipated as both nations engage in negotiations to finalize a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026.
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Carney highlighted the progress being made in discussions with India. He emphasized the significance of the bilateral relationship, which encompasses trade, investment, security, and people-to-people connections. Modi’s anticipated visit will coincide with the G20 summit in Miami, providing a platform for further dialogue between the two leaders.
The upcoming visit marks Modi’s first standalone bilateral trip to Canada since April 2015. However, the Indian Prime Minister did attend the G7 summit in Canada in June 2025, where he met with Carney to discuss enhancing bilateral relations. This December visit is seen as a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to rebuild economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Negotiations for the CEPA have been gaining momentum, with the fifth round of talks scheduled to commence on October 5. Both countries have expressed a commitment to accelerate these discussions, aiming to conclude the agreement by the end of 2026. The proposed CEPA is expected to significantly boost trade and investment, with Canada targeting a doubling of bilateral trade with India to C$70 billion annually by 2030. In 2025, the trade in goods and services between the two countries amounted to C$30.4 billion.
Recent high-level meetings and negotiations have been crucial in mending the diplomatic rift that previously existed between India and Canada. Carney’s visit to India in March 2026 underscored the mutual intention to expedite CEPA negotiations and expand collaboration in sectors such as energy, technology, artificial intelligence, and defense. These concerted efforts reflect a renewed commitment to fostering a robust economic partnership for the future.