Canada and India to Discuss Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

Upcoming talks between Prime Ministers Carney and Modi aim to finalize long-anticipated trade deal

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit India in early March to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and advance discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations. There is hope that this visit will mark a decisive step toward concluding a landmark trade pact that could expand bilateral trade to more than $100 billion annually.

Why it matters

A successful CEPA could significantly boost trade and economic ties between Canada and India, two major economies with complementary strengths in sectors like healthcare, energy, agriculture, and technology. The agreement has been under negotiation for nearly two decades, and its finalization would be a major milestone in the countries' bilateral relationship.

The details

The upcoming talks between Prime Ministers Carney and Modi are expected to make progress on the long-anticipated CEPA, which would eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers between Canada and India. Experts believe the agreement could expand bilateral trade to over $100 billion per year, up from the current level of around $8 billion. Key areas of focus include healthcare, energy, agriculture, high-tech industries, and skilled labor mobility.

  • Prime Minister Carney is expected to visit India in the first week of March 2026.
  • The two leaders are set to meet to advance discussions on the CEPA.

The players

Mark Carney

The Prime Minister of Canada.

Narendra Modi

The Prime Minister of India.

Krishnan Suthanthiran

The president and founder of Kitsault Energy and TeamBest Global companies, who has strong ties to Canada and advocates for expanded trade between the two countries.

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What they’re saying

“Having lived in and traveled throughout Canada for more than 50 years, Suthanthiran underscores the immense untapped potential for expanded trade between Canada and India.”

— Krishnan Suthanthiran, President and Founder, Kitsault Energy and TeamBest Global companies (BusinessWire)

What’s next

The upcoming meeting between Prime Ministers Carney and Modi is expected to be a crucial step towards finalizing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Canada and India.

The takeaway

The potential finalization of a Canada-India trade deal could unlock significant economic opportunities for both countries, particularly in key sectors like healthcare, energy, and technology. The long-awaited agreement represents an important milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.