Carney Eyes Year-End India Trade Deal as Modi Visit Nears in Canada

Canada-India economic ties are gaining momentum as both countries push to conclude negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Canada, with the two leaders expected to meet around the December G20 summit, although a final date for Modi’s visit has not yet been confirmed. 

The trade negotiations have become a central part of the renewed engagement between the two countries. Four rounds of CEPA negotiations have now been completed, and officials from both sides are continuing discussions to narrow differences and work toward a final agreement. India’s next round of negotiations is scheduled to begin on October 5.

The proposed CEPA is intended to cover a broad range of areas, including goods and services, investment, agriculture and agri-food, digital trade, mobility and sustainable development. Both governments have also set an ambition of increasing bilateral trade to CAD 70 billion annually by 2030.

Energy and critical minerals are emerging as important areas of cooperation alongside the trade negotiations. Canada is seeking greater Indian participation in its LNG sector, while Indian companies are exploring opportunities involving Canadian critical-mineral projects. The two countries are also discussing cooperation in nuclear energy, technology, AI and other strategic sectors.

The economic relationship is already substantial. According to the Canadian government, two-way goods and services trade reached CAD 30.4 billion in 2025, including CAD 13.6 billion in merchandise trade. Canada is seeking to expand its trade with India as part of a broader effort to diversify its international markets.

The developments mark a significant phase in the renewed India-Canada relationship following Carney’s visit to India in February-March 2026. The two governments have since increased high-level engagement and reaffirmed their goal of completing the CEPA negotiations this year.

Key point for the story: The main news is not merely that Carney wants to host Modi. The more substantive development is the push to complete the India-Canada trade agreement before the end of 2026, with a potential Modi-Carney meeting in December providing an important political backdrop.