Canada-India Boost Ties with Landmark Economic Partnership Talks

Prime Ministers Mark Carney and Narendra Modi are strengthening Canada-India relations with plans for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aiming to boost trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. The two leaders are enhancing bilateral cooperation in key sectors including trade, investment, clean energy, and technology.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed his acceptance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invite for a visit to India in early 2026, according to the Canadian Prime Minister's Office. Following the reinstatement of high commissioners in August 2025, the leaders have pledged to boost diplomatic staffing to accommodate increasing consular needs and reinforce people-to-people connectivity. They also aim to facilitate reciprocal knowledge transfer between the two countries.

Carney showed optimism towards the advancing law enforcement dialogue between Canada and India. Both nations have resolved to initiate high-ambition discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) following a meeting between Modi and Carney on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit. The discussions aim to surge bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. After the meeting, Modi remarked on the growing momentum in their relationship and agreed to expand collaboration in trade, investment, technology, energy, and education sectors.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to long-standing civil nuclear cooperation and discussed the potential for long-term uranium supply arrangements. Carney, at a press briefing, acknowledged India as a reliable trade partner and stressed the need for a CEPA to facilitate more effective trade. He emphasized the significant foreign investment presence of Canadian firms in India and the potential for joint ventures, particularly in renewable energy sectors, such as solar and wind energy. The meeting marks a renewed era of engagement following strained relations under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

(With inputs from agencies.)