Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will lead a high-level trade and investment delegation to Canada next year to further strengthen trade and commercial engagements between the two countries.
According to Goyal, the visit aims to launch negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Canada. Last month, India and Canada had agreed to hold sustained ministerial engagements with the trade and investment community in both countries in early 2026.
“Had a productive discussion with Minister Maninder Sidhu to advance trade and commercial engagement with Canada. We undertook initial scoping and broad discussions on the overall approach, contours, macro objectives, and modalities as part of preparations for the launch of CEPA negotiations,” Goyal said in a post on X.
He further confirmed that he has agreed to lead a high-level trade and investment delegation to Canada in the New Year.
Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, visited India last month, highlighting the importance of continued engagement with the private sector to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment.
During the discussions, both ministers reaffirmed the strength and continuity of the India–Canada economic partnership. Bilateral trade in goods and services reached $23.66 billion in 2024, with merchandise trade valued at $8.98 billion, marking a 10 per cent year-on-year increase.
The ministers agreed to encourage long-term supply-chain partnerships in critical minerals and clean energy collaboration to support the global energy transition. They also discussed expanding investment and trading opportunities in aerospace and dual-use capabilities, leveraging the growth of India’s aviation sector.
Additionally, both sides emphasized the need to strengthen resilience in critical sectors, including agriculture, and stressed the importance of diversified and reliable supply chains, according to an official statement.
(IANS)
