India and Canada Seal Major Trade Deal, Eye $70 Billion in Bi-Lateral Trade by 2030

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In a significant development, Canada and India have agreed to launch comprehensive trade talks, aiming to create a powerful economic anchor between the two nations. The announcement came after a bilateral meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg. The two leaders expressed confidence that the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will boost trade between the countries, more than doubling it to $70 billion Canadian dollars by 2030. This move marks a significant shift in Canada-India relations, which have seen a tumultuous past. The two countries also agreed to strengthen people-to-people linkages, enhance diplomatic staffing, and strengthen law enforcement cooperation. Carney welcomed the progress made in the law enforcement dialogue and expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities arising from the deal. Modi and Carney have invited each other for reciprocal high-level visits, including business delegations, to further advance their relations. The Canadian government has expressed optimism about the deal, stating that it would create opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses. Experts have welcomed the development, describing it as a "remarkable" and "accelerating" reset in the Canada-India relationship. The deal marks a significant departure from the previous stalled negotiations, which were paused in 2023 due to allegations of India's involvement in the killing of a pro-Khalistan figure. As Carney prepares to visit India in early 2026, accompanied by a Business Council of Canada-led trade delegation, the focus now shifts to implementation and translating high-level commitments into tangible benefits for both economies.