PM Modi Likely to Visit Canada in December for Trade Deal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December as New Delhi and Ottawa work towards concluding their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by the end of 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said. The visit would mark another major step in the rapid rebuilding of India-Canada relations.
Modi Canada Visit Expected in December
Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Carney said negotiations with India were making good progress and described the bilateral relationship as exceptionally important.
He said Modi was expected to visit Canada around the time of the G20 summit in December and added that he was looking forward to hosting the Indian Prime Minister.
A final schedule for the visit has not yet been formally announced by India.
India-Canada CEPA Talks Accelerate
India and Canada formally relaunched negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement earlier this year, setting a target of completing the talks by the end of 2026.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently said both countries had agreed to fast-track negotiations following discussions with Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu.
The next phase of negotiations is expected to focus on market access, tariffs, services, investment and other areas required for a comprehensive trade agreement.
Bilateral Trade Target Set at Rs 4.65 Lakh Crore
India and Canada have set an ambition of expanding bilateral trade to around CAD 70 billion, equivalent to approximately Rs 4.65 lakh crore, by 2030.
Economic cooperation is also expanding into LNG, nuclear energy, critical minerals, technology and investment.
A successful trade agreement and Modi’s expected Canada visit would represent a significant turnaround in bilateral ties after several years of diplomatic tensions.
