Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said on Thursday, 12 November, that India and Canada are negotiating the India-Canada CEPA, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and hope to finish it by the time Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Canada next month. Both countries are targeting conclusion of the talks by the end of 2026.
Sidhu spoke at the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam, according to a Press Trust of India report carried by Business Standard. He also met Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss the pact. Sidhu said he was in India for a round of talks between chief negotiators.
Why Is Canada Pushing for the India-Canada CEPA?
Sidhu said the relationship is “not about competition” but about complementarities between the two economies. India News Network reported separately that Canada wants to diversify its partnerships and reduce its dependence on the United States, and that analysts see a deal with India as a key priority. Canada’s High Commissioner to India was reported to be confident a deal can be reached before Modi’s trip.
Which Sectors Did Sidhu Highlight?
Energy: Sidhu said India needs 75% more energy by 2035. He said Canada has a handful of LNG projects and, once they come online, will be the fifth-largest LNG exporter in the world within five years. He also said a uranium deal worth roughly USD 2.5 billion was signed during his visit around 1 March this year.
Critical minerals and agriculture: He said Canada offers options for stabilising and diversifying supply chains and described it as the only Western Hemisphere country with every element needed for an electric vehicle battery. He added that Canada has “the best potash in the world” and can help Indian farmers raise yields.
Investment and technology: Sidhu said Canadian pension funds, including Fairfax, have invested over USD 100 billion in India, and that Canada wants to help build data centres and expand work on AI and technology. These figures are his statements and were not independently verified in the reports reviewed.
Market and Trade Reaction
No reaction from Indian exporters, industry associations or markets had been reported in the sources reviewed at the time of writing.
What Happens Next for the India-Canada CEPA?
The next milestone is Modi’s visit to Canada in December, when the deal may be highlighted. The reports reviewed differ on how many negotiating rounds have been held, so this article does not give a count. No final text, tariff schedule or signing date has been announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Maninder Sidhu say about the India-Canada CEPA?
He said the two countries are negotiating the pact and hope to finish it by the time Prime Minister Modi visits Canada next month.
When is the India-Canada CEPA expected to conclude?
Both countries are targeting conclusion of the talks by the end of 2026.
Where did Sidhu make the remarks?
At the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam, where he also met Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Source: Press Trust of India via Business Standard, 12 November 2026; India News Network, 12 November 2026.
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