India, Canada launch fifth round of trade talks targeting year-end deal

Chief negotiators from India and Canada will convene in Ottawa starting October 5 for the fifth round of talks on the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with negotiations expected to conclude on October 9. Both nations have intensified efforts to complete the bilateral trade pact by the end of 2024, marking a significant acceleration in the negotiation process.

The momentum reflects high-level commitment from both capitals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December, providing a political backdrop for finalizing the agreement. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated last month that concluding CEPA negotiations before Modi's visit would be a priority for bilateral relations.

Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is scheduled to visit New Delhi later this month accompanied by a 300-member business delegation, signalling deepened engagement on the trade framework. Sidhu and India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal previously met in Mumbai last month to assess negotiation progress, underlining the importance both governments attach to reaching a timely agreement.

CEPA will establish a comprehensive free trade framework covering goods, services, and investment between the two nations. The fourth round of negotiations concluded in mid-September, with officials noting that discussions are progressing at an expedited pace to meet the year-end target.