India and Canada Restart CEPA Negotiations with Second Round Talks

India and Canada have opened the second round of negotiations for a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), as per PTI reports. The talks began on May 4 and are scheduled for over 5 days. The first round was held in March.  

Discussions are expected to cover goods, services and other areas agreed between the 2 sides. 

Process Restarted After Gap 

The current round follows a break in 2023, when Canada had paused earlier discussions. Officials have restarted the process rather than continuing from previous drafts. The decision is indicative of changes in global trade conditions over the past 2 years. 

Both sides are working from a fresh framework for the agreement. 

Bilateral Trade and Targets 

India and Canada have set a target of increasing bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. Trade remains below that level at present. In 2024-25, total trade stood at $8.66 billion. India’s exports were valued at $4.22 billion, while imports from Canada stood at $4.44 billion. 

India’s exports to Canada include pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, seafood, cotton garments, chemicals and electronic goods. Imports include pulses, coal, fertilisers, crude petroleum, pearls, and semi-precious stones.  

Services trade is led by India’s exports in telecommunications and computer-related services. 

Market Details and Representation 

Canada has a population of about 41.65 million in 2025 and a GDP of $2.34 trillion on a purchasing power parity basis. The country hosts more than 425,000 Indian students, along with a large Indian-origin community. 

The negotiations are led by Brij Mohan Mishra on behalf of India and Bruce Christie for Canada. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is expected to visit Canada later this month. 

Read More: India Restarts Wheat Export After 4 Years, Price Gap May Cap Demand! 

Conclusion 

The second round of CEPA talks continues the negotiation process between the two countries. The outcome will determine the next steps towards a possible trade agreement. 

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