During discussions in Ottawa, Mark Carney characterized a proposed free trade agreement with India as a significant transformative opportunity. The talks, held with India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, focused on advancing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with both parties hopeful for its completion within the year. Carney emphasized that the agreement promises to unlock substantial opportunities for Canadian industries and workforce, particularly in the domains of energy, agriculture, technology, and education.
India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighted the emphasis on bolstering long-term bilateral ties and expediting trade negotiations. Canada’s international trade minister, Maninder Sidhu, was also present, with both countries affirming that two rounds of negotiations have been concluded. Canada is slated to host the upcoming round of discussions.
Accompanying Goyal on this visit is a significant business delegation from India, comprising over 100 representatives engaged in trade and investment dialogues in Toronto. This visit underscores efforts to strengthen economic ties and explore mutual business opportunities between the two nations.
Efforts to deepen cooperation across various sectors also included Goyal’s meetings with Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand and agriculture minister Heath MacDonald. These engagements aim to enhance collaboration between the two countries in multiple areas, reflecting a renewed commitment to improving bilateral relations.
This rejuvenated diplomatic momentum marks a notable shift in India-Canada relations, which had previously soured in 2023 following controversies surrounding the death of Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India had dismissed the allegations made by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. However, since Carney’s appointment in 2025, diplomatic efforts have been revitalized, leading to the resumption of CEPA negotiations and a positive trajectory in bilateral relations.