India-Canada CEPA Negotiations Advance

India and Canada are actively pursuing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the ambitious goal of tripling bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. This renewed engagement follows a period of diplomatic strain in 2023, which has since seen a significant reset in relations, largely attributed to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to India in March 2026. Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal led a large business delegation to Canada from May 25-27, holding high-level meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, and other officials. Discussions focused on accelerating CEPA negotiations, with both sides expressing optimism for an early conclusion, possibly by October or year-end. Key areas of cooperation include energy, critical minerals, technology, food processing, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Canada plans a 'Team Canada Trade Mission' to India later this year, and both nations have launched the Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum to foster business engagement. Piyush Goyal also paid tribute to the victims of the Air India Flight 182 bombing, emphasizing shared commitment to prevent future tragedies. The negotiations are prioritizing areas of convergence and avoiding sensitive sectors to ensure a mutually beneficial agreement.