New Delhi / Ottawa: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal today engaged in a productive virtual meeting with Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu to advance negotiations on the long-pending India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The high-level discussion focused on accelerating the CEPA talks, addressing pending market access issues, reducing non-tariff barriers and finalising a mutually beneficial early-harvest package.
Key Points from the Meeting
- Reaffirmed Commitment — Both ministers reiterated their governments’ strong intent to conclude an ambitious, balanced and comprehensive CEPA at the earliest.
- Early-Harvest Package — Progress was reviewed on a possible early-harvest deal covering select goods, services, investment protection and temporary movement of business persons.
- Market Access Priorities
- India: Greater access for pharmaceuticals, textiles, gems & jewellery, IT/ITES, agriculture & processed foods.
- Canada: Improved access for pulses (lentils, peas), canola oil, lumber, minerals, critical minerals and select agricultural products.
- Non-Tariff Barriers — Both sides agreed to intensify work on resolving SPS (Sanitary & Phytosanitary) and TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) issues.
- Critical Minerals & Clean Energy — Special focus on cooperation in critical minerals supply chains, green hydrogen, battery storage and clean-tech value chains.
- Investment & Services — Discussions on strengthening bilateral investment protection and liberalising select services sectors.
Current Status of India-Canada CEPA Negotiations
- 14th round of talks concluded in Ottawa in December 2025.
- 15th round expected in New Delhi in Q2 2026.
- Target: Substantial conclusion of CEPA by end-2026 / early 2027, with possible early-harvest agreement by mid-2026.
Statements from the Ministers
Piyush Goyal (via video statement post-meeting):
“India and Canada enjoy deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. A balanced CEPA will unlock tremendous potential for both economies. We are committed to concluding an ambitious agreement that benefits businesses, farmers, workers and consumers in both countries.”
Maninder Sidhu (Canadian Minister of International Trade):
“Canada values its strategic partnership with India. We are working hard to deliver a modern, progressive CEPA that reflects 21st-century trade realities and supports good jobs on both sides of the Pacific.”
Market & Industry Reaction
- Positive sentiment seen in export-oriented sectors textiles, pharma, gems & jewellery, IT services and food processing stocks traded higher in morning session.
- Canada-facing agri & agri-processing companies also gained modestly on hopes of improved pulses and canola access.
Conclusion
The virtual meeting between Piyush Goyal and Maninder Sidhu has injected fresh momentum into the India-Canada CEPA negotiations. With both sides signalling flexibility on early deliverables and critical minerals cooperation, 2026 could finally see the long-awaited breakthrough in one of India’s most important pending trade agreements.
