India, Canada to fast-track FTA negotiations, resume CEO forum in 2026

India and Canada have agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with the goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030, while also reinvigorating B2B engagement to elevate their economic partnership.

Addressing the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber’s Annual National Convention, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described the two nations as natural allies whose complementary strengths could act as a force multiplier for businesses and investors. He welcomed the continued investment flow from Canadian pension funds into India and called for a sector-specific roadmap to ensure measurable progress in CEPA discussions.

Goyal also indicated that the India-Canada CEO Forum will resume in 2026, and encouraged Canadian businesses to take part in India’s AI Summit scheduled for February.

Citing recent interactions between the Prime Ministers of both countries as a sign of underlying trust, Goyal said a CEPA would boost confidence among investors, businesses and state authorities by providing a stronger framework for grievance redressal.

Highlighting areas of significant potential, he pointed to collaboration opportunities across critical minerals, nuclear energy (including uranium supplies), aerospace, defence and clean energy. He added that India is equally positioned to offer capabilities in AI, machine learning, quantum computing, and data centres, supported by clean energy priced at under 9 cents/kWh.

Goyal noted that India’s 500-GW national power grid, including 250 GW of clean energy, provides the resilience required for AI-driven infrastructure.

Later in the day, the Minister met Victor Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade. Their discussions centred on strengthening trade, expanding investment opportunities, and deepening cooperation across priority sectors.