India, Canada Aim To Conclude CEPA Negotiations By End-2026

New Delhi, Aug 3 (KNN) India and Canada are working to conclude negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed the Rajya Sabha.

India, Canada Target 2026 Deadline For CEPA

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said three rounds of negotiations have been held so far, with the latest round taking place in Ottawa from July 6-10.

“Progress has been made across multiple negotiating tracks, with both sides working towards concluding the process by late 2026,” Singh said in a written reply.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to visit Canada later this year, with the visit likely to provide further momentum to bilateral economic and diplomatic ties, reported Economic Times.

CEPA To Reduce Tariffs, Strengthen Trade Ties

The proposed CEPA seeks to establish a free trade area by reducing or eliminating tariffs and other trade barriers.

It also aims to progressively liberalise trade in goods and services, create a more transparent and predictable trade and investment environment, and strengthen economic cooperation and people-to-people ties.

India-Canada Trade Stands At USD 8.66 Billion

Canada has a population of around 41.65 million and a GDP of USD 2.34 trillion in purchasing power parity terms, based on 2025 figures.

The agreement has significant potential to expand bilateral trade, which stood at USD 8.66 billion in FY25.

India's exports to Canada stood at USD 4.22 billion during the year, while imports from Canada were valued at USD 4.44 billion, according to official data.

(KNN Bureau)