In an impactful dialogue in Ottawa, Mark Carney hailed the potential free trade agreement with India as a transformative opportunity. He engaged in discussions with India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expressing a mutual eagerness to conclude the agreement by the end of the year. Carney emphasized that the deal could bring substantial benefits to Canadian workers and businesses, particularly in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, technology, and education.
During the talks, Goyal, who extended greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighted the focus on enhancing long-term bilateral cooperation and expediting trade negotiations. The meeting also saw the participation of Canada’s international trade minister, Maninder Sidhu, with both nations confirming that two rounds of negotiations have already been successfully completed. Canada is set to host the upcoming round, indicating forward momentum in these discussions.
Accompanying Goyal on his visit to Canada is a significant business delegation from India, comprising over 100 representatives who are set to engage in trade and investment talks scheduled in Toronto. This marks a concerted effort to deepen commercial ties and explore new avenues for collaboration between the two countries.
Goyal’s visit also included meetings with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald, underscoring a commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors. These efforts signal an important phase in rekindling the relationship between India and Canada, which had experienced tensions in 2023 following allegations concerning the assassination of Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada—a claim India has consistently denied.
The diplomatic landscape began to shift positively after Mark Carney assumed office in 2025, leading to renewed engagement and the reactivation of CEPA negotiations. This renewed dialogue represents a significant stride toward rebuilding trust and fostering a productive partnership between the two nations.