India-Canada trade deal: What New Delhi wants, what Ottawa wants as CEPA talks gather pace | Today’s news
India and Canada are seeking to deepen trade and investment ties through the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with both countries aiming to expand bilateral trade to CAD 70 billion ( ₹4.65 lakh crore) by 2030.
The two countries began formal talks following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India in February-March 2026. Both sides pledged to conclude talks by the end of 2026.
While Canada seeks better access to the large Indian market for its goods and services, India’s broader priorities include energy security, critical minerals, clean technologies, advanced manufacturing and stronger supply chains.
What India wants from CEPA
India is seeking to strengthen economic ties with Canada while diversifying its sources of energy and critical minerals. The leaders’ joint statement identifies energy, agriculture, technology, education and resilient supply chains as key areas of cooperation.
– Energy security: India wants to increase imports of Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), crude oil and uranium. A CAD 2.6 billion deal between Cameco and India’s Ministry of Atomic Energy will support long-term uranium supplies.
– Critical minerals and clean energy: India wants to diversify its mineral supply and explore cooperation in solar energy, energy storage, battery technology and advanced manufacturing.
– Agriculture and food security: Both countries aim to expand agricultural technology, research and value-added food production, including through the proposed Canada-India Pulse Protein Center of Excellence.
– Technology and talent: India wants deeper cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, space technology and digital infrastructure, along with research partnerships and student mobility.
– Trade and Investment: India aims to expand market opportunities, strengthen supply chains and attract investment while working towards a bilateral trade target of CAD 70 billion by 2030.
The joint statement did not detail India’s demands for negotiations on individual tariffs or sectors. These priorities reflect the wider economic agenda agreed by both governments.
What Canada wants from CEPA
-Lower trade barriers and greater market access: Canada wants India to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers that limit Canadian exports. It seeks commercially meaningful access for Canadian goods and services, along with clearer customs procedures and rules of origin to make cross-border trade easier and more predictable.
-Stronger investment protection: Ottawa wants transparent and predictable rules to protect investors, including investor-state dispute resolution provisions. It also seeks to level the playing field for financial institutions while maintaining safeguards for the stability and integrity of the Canadian financial system.
-Better access for services and professionals: Canada is promoting comprehensive services commitments to reduce barriers and improve market access. Its goals include facilitating trade in professional services, exploring mutual recognition agreements and facilitating the temporary movement of entrepreneurs while protecting the domestic labor market.
-Digital trade, intellectual property and government procurement rules: Canada wants the agreement to address barriers to digital trade, boost consumer confidence online and strengthen intellectual property protections. It also seeks transparent public procurement, effective competition rules and commitments to reduce corruption.
When will India and Canada sign a trade deal?
Both governments have reaffirmed their commitment to an ambitious, mutually beneficial CEPA, with formal negotiations opening and the aim of concluding them by the end of 2026.
Read also | PM Modi to visit Canada on 11 Dec 12: What’s on the agenda?
