Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney indicating that the visit could coincide with efforts by both countries to finalise a new trade agreement.
Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Carney said India-Canada trade negotiations were making “good progress” and described the bilateral relationship as important across trade, security and people-to-people ties.
Trade Deal at the Centre
The proposed visit comes as India and Canada accelerate negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the next round of negotiations will begin on October 5, following the fourth round held in Mumbai. Both sides have set the end of 2026 as the target for concluding the agreement.
The proposed pact covers a broad range of trade and economic issues and could provide a framework for expanding bilateral commerce.
A Reset in India-Canada Relations
The possible visit also reflects a broader improvement in bilateral engagement following a period of diplomatic tensions.
Modi and Carney have held several meetings in 2026, including talks at the G7 summit in France. India’s government said the two leaders reviewed cooperation in trade, energy, technology and people-to-people ties.
Officials from both countries have also been discussing cooperation in areas including energy, critical minerals, education, science and technology and defence.
December Could Become a Key Milestone
Canada has set an objective of more than doubling bilateral trade to CAD 70 billion by 2030. A trade agreement could become an important part of that economic strategy.
For India, the negotiations could provide greater access to the Canadian market while strengthening cooperation in areas such as energy and critical minerals.
However, the exact date of Modi’s Canada visit has not yet been finalised. Carney has said he expects to host the Indian prime minister around the December G20 period.
