Canada Optimistic About Finalizing Free Trade Agreement With India by Year-End

Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has expressed strong confidence that Canada and India will finalize a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by year-end. Speaking in Mumbai, Sidhu highlighted energy, nuclear cooperation, and mineral supply chains as key areas of discussion, and noted that major Indian conglomerates including Reliance Industries and the JSW Group are exploring investments in Canada.

Talks aimed at finalising a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) between the two nations could wrap up before the end of the year, the country's international trade minister indicated on Saturday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had earlier indicated, during a visit to New Delhi in March, that both nations were aiming to finalise a free trade agreement before the year's end, while Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, speaking to a broadcaster during a trip to Mumbai, expressed confidence that a deal could be concluded within the coming months. According to Sidhu, trade negotiators from both nations are scheduled to visit next month, with a bilateral leadership meeting anticipated on the margins of the G-20 summit in December. The energy sector stands out as a key topic under consideration. Canada already operates one Shell-led LNG export terminal, with five additional projects at various stages of development, and Sidhu noted that discussions are under way with Indian companies about participation and supply arrangements in those ventures, though no further details were provided. Beyond liquefied natural gas, both nations are also exploring expanded collaboration in the nuclear energy sector, where India aims to substantially grow its generating capacity, with Sidhu noting that Canada's established presence in the nuclear industry could offer considerable advantages for Canadian firms seeking to develop supply chains within India. According to Sidhu, who offered no additional specifics, several prominent Indian conglomerates — among them Reliance Industries, Mahindra and Mahindra, and the JSW Group — are looking at opportunities in Canadian mineral projects as a means of strengthening their supply chains. Businesses are exploring joint investment opportunities as global supply networks face increasing geopolitical pressures.

Canada Optimistic About Finalizing Free Trade Agreement With India by Year-End

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Canada Optimistic About Finalizing Free Trade Agreement With India by Year-End

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