Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday began a three-day visit to Canada, leading the largest-ever Indian business delegation to the country, as India and Canada intensified efforts to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026.
The high-level visit, covering Ottawa and Toronto, is aimed at reviving bilateral economic ties and accelerating negotiations on the proposed free trade agreement between the two countries.
During his meetings in Ottawa, Goyal held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Foreign Minister Anita Anand.
Calling on PM Carney, Goyal conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and recalled Carney’s recent visit to India, which both sides said had imparted fresh momentum to bilateral ties.
PM Carney described the proposed India-Canada free trade agreement as a “game changer” that would unlock a massive new market. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to concluding a balanced, commercially meaningful and ambitious CEPA aimed at delivering tangible benefits to businesses and citizens of both nations.
Goyal also held extensive discussions with International Trade Minister Sidhu on advancing CEPA negotiations. The two ministers reviewed progress made so far and identified opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment flows.
Both sides reiterated their resolve to finalise a mutually beneficial agreement by the end of 2026. CEPA negotiations have accelerated since the Terms of Reference were signed in March 2025. The first round of virtual talks was held in March 2026, followed by a second round that concluded earlier this month. Another round of technical negotiations is currently underway in Ottawa from May 25 to May 29.
In his meeting with Agriculture Minister MacDonald, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in food security, sustainability and agri-technology. The two sides also explored collaboration opportunities in the food processing sector, which officials said could help boost incomes of Indian farmers and producers.
During talks with Foreign Minister Anand, Goyal emphasised expanding cooperation in trade, investment and technology under the India-Canada strategic partnership. He highlighted opportunities for Canadian investments in India’s infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, digital infrastructure and consumer sectors.
Goyal later attended a reception hosted by Minister Sidhu, where he highlighted India’s rapid economic growth, entrepreneurial ecosystem, skilled workforce and expanding market opportunities. He also acknowledged the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
From May 26 to 27, Goyal will lead the Indian delegation through a series of industry roundtables and business-to-business engagements in Toronto aimed at converting ministerial-level discussions into concrete commercial partnerships.
The delegation includes representatives from over 100 Indian companies across sectors such as energy, mining, automotive goods, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, leather and textiles.
India and Canada currently share bilateral trade worth around USD 8.5 billion, with both governments targeting an expansion of trade to USD 50 billion by 2030.
