India and Canada have begun the fourth round of negotiations for a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with the latest round being held in New Delhi from September 14 to 18.
The talks are aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment and creating a more comprehensive framework for economic cooperation between the two countries. Both sides have set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030.
The negotiations cover key areas including trade in goods and services, rules of origin, intellectual property, sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade. The two countries concluded the second round in May and have continued technical and intersessional discussions since then.
India and Canada have also reaffirmed their intention to conclude a balanced and mutually beneficial CEPA by the end of 2026. The agreement is expected to expand market access, encourage investment and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
The renewed trade negotiations come as both countries work to strengthen economic ties following a period of strained bilateral relations. A successful CEPA could provide fresh momentum to India-Canada commerce and support greater diversification of trade and investment flows.
