India, Canada to resume trade pact negotiations from October 5

The negotiations between India and Canada for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) are gathering momentum, with the next round of talks scheduled to commence on October 5, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Monday.

Goyal told reporters that both countries have committed to accelerated negotiations, with the fifth round set to follow the fourth round of talks that concluded on September 18. "The next 90 days should be a very defining period in the Canada-India relationship," the minister said, underlining the significance of the negotiation timeline.

With both nations targeting completion of the agreement by December, the pace of discussions has quickened considerably. The momentum was further demonstrated by a recent visit to Mumbai by Canada's International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, who held discussions with Goyal last week to advance the negotiations.

India's key exports to Canada include pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, seafood, cotton garments, electronic goods and chemicals. The country imports pulses, pearls and semi-precious stones, and coal from the North American nation. A comprehensive trade agreement is expected to enhance bilateral commerce and strengthen economic ties between the two nations.