Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit Canada in December as India and Canada continue efforts to strengthen economic ties and move forward with negotiations for a proposed trade agreement.
A meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected around the December G20 summit, according to recent reports. The possible meeting comes at a time when both countries are working to advance negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
India-Canada Trade Talks Continue
Trade negotiations between India and Canada have gained momentum in recent months. Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said Canada remains committed to concluding the CEPA negotiations by the end of 2026.
The latest discussions between Sidhu and India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal took place in Mumbai in September. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen trade and investment ties and continue working on the proposed agreement.
Four rounds of negotiations have been completed so far, with officials from both countries continuing discussions to narrow differences and work toward a final agreement.
Trade Target of $70 Billion by 2030
Trade is expected to remain a major focus of the India-Canada relationship. The two countries have set a shared objective of more than doubling bilateral trade to CAD 70 billion by 2030.
According to Canadian government data, two-way trade in goods and services reached CAD 30.4 billion in 2025, while merchandise trade stood at CAD 13.6 billion.
The proposed CEPA is expected to address areas including market access, investment and cooperation across sectors such as energy, critical minerals, technology, aerospace and other industries.
Possible Modi-Carney Meeting in December
The potential meeting between Modi and Carney would come after several high-level engagements between the two countries this year. The two leaders have already discussed strengthening economic and financial cooperation, including the shared goal of completing CEPA negotiations by the end of 2026.
India and Canada have also continued official-level discussions on areas beyond trade, including energy, critical minerals, science and technology, education, security and defence cooperation.
While the December meeting has been anticipated, details of Prime Minister Modi’s travel schedule and any final agreement will depend on developments in the coming months.
What the Trade Deal Could Mean
A completed India-Canada trade agreement could create additional opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries. Canadian officials have highlighted sectors such as energy, critical minerals, aerospace and artificial intelligence as areas with potential for greater commercial cooperation.
For India, stronger economic engagement with Canada could also support opportunities in sectors including pharmaceuticals, technology, manufacturing and services.
The next phase of negotiations will therefore be closely watched as both sides work toward their end-2026 target.
Disclaimer: The possible December visit and any future trade agreement remain subject to official confirmation and the outcome of ongoing negotiations.
