India and Canada have begun the fifth round of negotiations for a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with both countries aiming to conclude the talks by the end of 2026.

Chief negotiators from both sides are meeting in Ottawa for five days, with the latest round scheduled to continue until October 9. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal is expected to visit Canada this week to give further momentum to the negotiations.

Canada’s Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is also expected to visit New Delhi later this month with a 300-member business delegation. Sidhu and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reviewed the progress of the negotiations during a meeting in Mumbai last month.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could visit Canada around December.

The proposed India-Canada CEPA aims to reduce or eliminate customs duties on a wide range of goods. It also seeks to improve investment opportunities and facilitate the movement of skilled professionals between the two countries.

Bilateral goods trade declined 8.23% to $7.95 billion in 2025-26 from $8.7 billion a year earlier. India’s exports to Canada increased 10.63% to $4.67 billion, while imports fell 26.14% to $3.28 billion.

India’s key exports to Canada include pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, seafood, cotton garments, electronic goods and chemicals. Major imports include pulses, coal, fertilisers, paper and crude petroleum.

The India-Canada CEPA could provide greater market access and strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.