New Delhi: India and Canada have taken a fresh step to deepen economic cooperation by launching a new Trade and Investment Forum aimed at bringing businesses from both countries onto a common platform for closer engagement.
The announcement came in a joint statement following a three-day official visit to Canada by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
During the visit, Minister Goyal held wide-ranging discussions with business leaders and also met Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, Government of Canada, to review the future direction of trade and investment relations.
Both sides agreed that stronger connectivity between India and Canada will be key to expanding economic ties. This includes smoother business mobility, stronger people-to-people connections, and better direct commercial links between companies.
A major outcome of the discussions was the launch of the Canada–India Trade and Investment Forum, designed to connect entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from both countries and encourage new partnerships across key sectors.
Held constructive bilateral discussions this morning in Ottawa with Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Mr. Maninder Sidhu, on advancing the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations.
We provided clear guidance to our teams to work… pic.twitter.com/1tqhyxj0B4
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) May 26, 2026
The two ministers highlighted several areas with strong potential for cooperation, including clean energy, critical minerals, agriculture and food processing, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and skill development.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to move forward on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which both sides aim to conclude by the end of this year. The proposed pact is expected to improve market access, strengthen supply chains, and support balanced economic growth.
Canada further announced plans to lead a “Team Canada” trade mission to India later this year, signaling growing interest among Canadian businesses in expanding their presence in the Indian market.
Both countries agreed to maintain regular dialogue and continue working toward concrete outcomes that can translate discussions into real business opportunities in the coming months.
