Canada ‘Very, Very Optimistic’ Of Concluding Trade Talks With India By Year-End

Last Updated:September 19, 2026, 10:07 pm IST

Canada is hopeful of completing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India by the end of 2026.

Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu (Credits: Reuters)

Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu on Friday said India and Canada are committed to speeding up negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with both sides aiming to conclude the pact by the end of 2026.

Speaking to Reuters during his visit to Mumbai, Sidhu said he was optimistic about completing the negotiations in the coming months.

“I’m feeling very, very optimistic and energetic that we can get it done in the coming months,” he said.

The two countries are expected to continue discussions in the coming weeks. Indian trade negotiators are likely to travel to Canada next month, while the leaders of both countries could meet on the sidelines of the G20 gathering in December, Sidhu said.

Energy Emerges As Key Area Of Discussion

Energy is among the key sectors being discussed as India and Canada work towards closer economic ties.

Canada opened a Shell-led liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility last year. The country also has five other LNG projects at different stages of development.

Sidhu said Canadian authorities are in talks with Indian companies about accessing these projects, as well as potential investments and long-term supply arrangements.

“We’re having conversations with Indian firms on how they can access those projects, but also how they can invest and secure supply in those projects,” Sidhu said.

He did not provide further details about the discussions.

The proposed CEPA is expected to cover a broad range of economic areas and is aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between India and Canada.

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What is the timeline for concluding the India-Canada CEPA trade talks?

Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu stated that India and Canada are aiming to conclude negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026.

Which energy projects are India and Canada discussing for investment and supply?

Canada opened a Shell-led liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility last year and has five other LNG projects in development, with authorities holding discussions with Indian firms on project access, investments, and long-term supply arrangements.

What upcoming diplomatic meetings are expected between India and Canada regarding trade?

Indian trade negotiators are expected to travel to Canada the following month, and the leaders of both nations could potentially meet on the sidelines of the G20 gathering in December.

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Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can …Read More

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