NEW YORK (Economy India): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada around December this year, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said, as the two countries work to advance negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Carney made the remarks while responding to questions about Modi’s possible visit and the status of trade negotiations between Ottawa and New Delhi at a press conference on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“We are making good progress in our trade negotiations with India,” Carney said, describing the relationship as important at the people-to-people, security, trade and economic levels.
Modi Visit Expected Around December
Carney said Modi would be visiting Canada “around that time” and that he looked forward to hosting the Indian prime minister.
The expected visit comes as India and Canada have been working to rebuild engagement and expand economic cooperation after a period of strained bilateral relations.
The Canadian prime minister had invited Modi to visit Canada during his March 2026 visit to India. In June, the two leaders also discussed the positive momentum in bilateral relations during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France and agreed to continue working through diplomatic channels towards a mutually convenient date for Modi’s visit.
India-Canada Trade Deal in Focus
Trade negotiations are a central component of the renewed engagement between the two countries.
India and Canada launched negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in March, with both sides setting a target of concluding the negotiations by the end of 2026. The agreement is intended to expand bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
The next round of India-Canada trade negotiations is scheduled to begin on October 5, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The two sides have agreed to fast-track discussions on the proposed trade pact.
Both Sides Target End-2026 Agreement
India and Canada have been working towards concluding the CEPA negotiations this year.
During their March meeting in New Delhi, Modi and Carney agreed to accelerate negotiations and finalise the agreement in 2026. The leaders also set an objective of strengthening bilateral trade over the coming years.
Carney’s latest comments indicate that the December period could become an important milestone for the bilateral economic relationship, although the final timing of Modi’s visit and the conclusion of the trade agreement remain subject to ongoing discussions.
Focus on Trade, Energy and Critical Minerals
The economic relationship extends beyond the proposed CEPA.
During Carney’s March visit to India, the two countries announced cooperation covering energy, critical minerals, technology, artificial intelligence, talent and innovation, and defence.
Canada and India have also discussed commercial opportunities involving liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and metallurgical coal. Their June meeting also highlighted the importance of resilient supply chains for energy and food security.
Canada and India have separately established cooperation on critical-mineral value chains, covering areas such as exploration, processing, investment promotion and technical exchange.
India-Canada Economic Engagement
The proposed trade agreement is expected to address a broad range of trade and investment issues as negotiators work towards a framework that can expand commercial ties.
India’s exports to Canada include products such as pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, seafood and electronic goods, while major imports from Canada include pulses, coal and fertilisers, according to current reporting.
The two countries are also seeking to deepen cooperation in areas such as education, skills, innovation and technology through the Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy.
Diplomatic Engagement Gains Momentum
The expected visit would follow a series of high-level engagements between India and Canada during 2026.
Carney’s March visit to India was followed by meetings between the two prime ministers at the G7 Summit in June. During the June meeting, the leaders welcomed progress in bilateral economic cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to completing CEPA negotiations in 2026.
The Canadian government has described the relationship as strategically important, while both sides have continued discussions on trade, energy, defence, security, education and technology.
Carney’s latest remarks at the UN General Assembly indicate that trade negotiations remain a significant part of the bilateral agenda as both countries work towards the end-2026 target.
India-Canada Developments at a Glance
| Development | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Modi Visit | Around December 2026 |
| Canadian PM | Mark Carney |
| Trade Agreement | Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) |
| Negotiation Target | Conclude in 2026 |
| Next Trade Talks | From October 5, 2026 |
| Key Areas | Trade, energy, critical minerals, technology, AI, defence |
| March 2026 | Carney visited India |
| June 2026 | Modi-Carney meeting at G7 Summit |
December Could Be Key for Bilateral Economic Ties
With the next round of trade negotiations scheduled for October and both governments working towards a 2026 conclusion of the CEPA talks, the coming months are expected to remain important for India-Canada economic engagement.
Carney’s statement that Modi is expected to visit Canada around December places the proposed visit in the same period in which the two countries are seeking to advance their trade agenda.
The final schedule of the visit and the outcome of the CEPA negotiations will depend on the ongoing discussions between the two governments.
(Economy India)
