India-Canada CEPA: Fourth Round of Negotiations Begins in New Delhi

India and Canada have kicked off the fourth round of talks for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in New Delhi. The five-day negotiations, running from 14th to 18th September 2026, aim to iron out details on goods, services, and trade barriers, with both nations hoping to seal the deal by 2026 itself.

Fourth Round of Talks on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

This round covers crucial ground in trade in goods and services, rules of origin, and technical trade barriers. It follows the third round held in Ottawa back in July, showing steady momentum in the negotiation process between the two countries.

India and Canada Target Bilateral Trade to $50 Billion by 2030

Both countries have set an ambitious target of pushing bilateral trade to US$ 50 billion (around Rs. 4.42 lakh crore) by 2030. However, current numbers tell a different story: trade actually dipped by 8.22% in FY2025-26, falling to US$ 7.95 billion from US$ 8.66 billion the previous year. This dip is exactly why CEPA is being seen as a much-needed push to reverse the trend and unlock fresh market access.

India's Key Exports to Canada

India ships out a mix of pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, seafood, cotton garments, electronic goods, and chemicals to Canada. On the flip side, India brings in pulses, pearls and semi-precious stones, coal, fertilisers, paper, and crude petroleum from Canada.

India's Services Exports to Canada

Beyond physical goods, India also exports a strong services portfolio to Canada covering telecommunications, computer and IT services, along with other business services, reflecting India's growing strength in the knowledge economy.

How is CEPA important for India-Canada relations?

CEPA isn't just about trade numbers; it's expected to build a stronger framework for market access and long-term economic cooperation. With Canada home to over 4,25,000 Indian students and a sizeable Indian-origin community, the people-to-people connection between both nations is already substantial. A successful CEPA could open new doors for businesses on both sides, strengthen investment ties, and give a concrete boost toward achieving the $50 billion trade target by 2030.