Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): India and Canada are set to begin the fifth round of negotiations on a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with trade officials from both countries looking to build on recent discussions and move closer to a potential agreement.
Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said the latest round of talks would build on his recent visit to Mumbai and his discussions with India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal during the G20.
In a post on X, Sidhu pointed to India’s rapidly expanding economy and its increasing energy requirements, saying Canada was prepared to play a larger role in meeting the country’s future needs.
Energy Cooperation Takes Centre Stage
Sidhu highlighted Canada’s growing position in the global liquefied natural gas market, particularly the expansion of LNG Canada.
The second phase of the LNG Canada project has attracted an investment of approximately $33 billion and is expected to significantly increase the facility’s export capacity. Ottawa expects Canada to become one of the world’s leading LNG exporters in the coming years.
For Canada, the development is being presented as an opportunity to establish stronger long-term energy partnerships with major markets such as India.
Focus Beyond Energy
The Canadian minister also pointed to critical minerals and aerospace as other sectors where the two countries could deepen commercial cooperation.
Critical minerals have become increasingly important to global supply chains, particularly for industries linked to clean energy, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. Canada has been seeking to strengthen its role as a dependable supplier of these resources.
Sidhu said Canada wants to position itself as a reliable economic partner for India across multiple strategic sectors.
Push for Wider Trade Opportunities
The ongoing CEPA negotiations are aimed at creating greater market access for businesses and workers in both countries while expanding bilateral trade and investment.
The latest round follows several months of renewed engagement between Ottawa and New Delhi. Officials on both sides have been working to maintain momentum in the negotiations and address outstanding issues surrounding the proposed trade agreement.
With India continuing to record strong economic growth and demand for energy and strategic resources expected to rise, Canada is seeking to expand its commercial presence in the Indian market.
The fifth round of negotiations is expected to provide another opportunity for both sides to work through key issues and advance discussions on a broader economic partnership.
