India to Send Largest-Ever Trade Delegation to Canada to Fast-Track CEPA Negotiations
- 5 days ago
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News Derby, April 02 2026, NEW DELHI / OTTAWA – In a major push to strengthen bilateral economic ties, India is preparing to dispatch its largest-ever business delegation to Canada in May 2026. The move signals a significant escalation in efforts to finalize the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The initiative was finalized following a high-level meeting between India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, on the sidelines of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon.
Strategic Objectives of the Visit:
Accelerating CEPA: Both nations have committed to fast-tracking negotiations for the trade pact, which was formally relaunched on March 2. The agreement aims to significantly expand market access and reduce trade barriers.
Diverse Sectoral Engagement: Beyond traditional trade, the delegation will explore collaborative opportunities in shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, nuclear energy, tourism, and education.
Critical Minerals & Agriculture: Discussions will focus on building resilient supply chains for critical minerals and enhancing agricultural trade to ensure long-term food and energy security.
Reciprocal High-Tech Exchange: India has also welcomed Canada’s proposal to send a return delegation focused on high-tech sectors, including aerospace, defense, and space technology.
Economic Context:
The upcoming mission follows a strong performance in bilateral trade, which reached $8.66 billion in FY 2024-25. Key Indian exports currently include iron, steel, garments, and pharmaceuticals, while Canada remains a vital supplier of pulses and crude oil to the Indian market.
This historic diplomatic and commercial exchange is viewed as a pivotal moment for India-Canada relations, aimed at unlocking new investment corridors and stabilizing economic engagement amidst global volatility.
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