Modi and Canada FM Push for Year-End CEPA Trade Deal
PM Modi and Canadian FM Anita Anand meet in New Delhi to discuss finalizing the CEPA trade deal by year-end and strengthening bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand have held high-level talks in New Delhi, focusing on the urgent goal of finalizing a India Canada CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) by the end of this year. The meeting, held during Minister Anand's visit to the national capital, underscored a mutual desire to amplify bilateral trade and deepen strategic cooperation across several critical sectors.
Strategic Push for Economic Growth
The discussions centered on advancing the strategic partnership between the two nations. According to a readout from the Canadian government, the dialogue focused on creating a more robust framework for cooperation in areas including investment, energy, technology, education, culture, and security.
A key highlight of the meeting was the mention of the Team Canada Trade Mission, led by International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu. This mission is viewed as a tangible step toward expanding bilateral trade and strengthening Canada's overall engagement within the Indo-Pacific region.
"Minister Anand and Prime Minister Modi discussed the importance of concluding a comprehensive economic partnership agreement by the end of the year and highlighted the Team Canada Trade Mission... as a tangible example of growing the economic partnership," the official statement read.
Commitment to a Forward-Looking Partnership
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to describe the talks as productive. He reiterated India's dedication to fostering a constructive relationship that provides real benefits to the citizens of both countries.
The Prime Minister noted that the discussions spanned a wide array of interests, specifically highlighting ties in security, energy, and people-to-people exchanges. He emphasized that India is committed to a strategic partnership that looks toward the future.
Canada's Vision for Prosperity
Foreign Minister Anita Anand echoed this sentiment, stating that India and Canada possess enormous potential to shape a prosperous future together. She pointed to the opportunities available in security, investment, and trade as primary drivers for this growth.
Minister Anand also referenced previous high-level interactions, including Prime Minister Carney's visit earlier in the year, as evidence of a renewed ambition to turn shared priorities into lasting opportunities. During the meeting, she also congratulated PM Modi on completing 25 years of public service.
Security and Upcoming Diplomatic Milestones
Beyond trade, the two leaders welcomed the outcomes of the bilateral security dialogue conducted in India the previous week. This dialogue, held at the National Security Advisor level, is part of an ongoing commitment to law enforcement and security engagement.
PM Modi's Upcoming Visit to Canada
The momentum from these talks is expected to culminate in a high-profile visit. The High Commission of India in Ottawa has confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Canada on December 11–12, 2026.
This visit follows a telephone conversation between PM Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, where both leaders agreed to build on the current positive momentum and strive for concrete outcomes across their key areas of cooperation.