India and Canada started the fourth round of talks for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on Monday. The five-day session runs from September 14 to 18. Both nations aim to conclude negotiations before the end of the year.
This meeting follows the third round held in Ottawa. The talks cover trade in goods, services, rules of origin, and technical trade barriers.
Key Focus Areas in the India Canada CEPA Negotiations
The ongoing negotiations aim to expand market access, streamline cross-border regulatory compliance, and reduce trade friction.
- Goods and Services: Negotiators are addressing tariff barriers alongside service sectors like telecommunications, IT, and professional services.
- Regulatory Compliance: Teams are aligning rules of origin standards and technical barriers to facilitate smoother bilateral trade flows.
Targeting $50 Billion in Bilateral Trade
Both countries hold an ambitious target: growing bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030.
During the 2025–26 financial year, two-way trade contracted 8.22% to $7.95 billion. This was down from $8.66 billion recorded in 2024–25.
- 2025–26 Indian Exports: $4.67 billion (up from $4.22 billion in 2024–25).
- 2025–26 Indian Imports: $3.28 billion (down from $4.44 billion in 2024–25).
Trade Profile and People-to-People Connections
India primarily exports pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, seafood, cotton garments, electronics, and chemicals to Canada. Major Canadian imports into India include pulses, coal, fertilizers, paper, crude oil, and semi-precious stones.
Strong human capital ties back these economic discussions. Canada currently hosts over 425,000 Indian students and a vibrant Indian diaspora, creating a strong foundation for expanded trade cooperation.
Source: TOI
