The anticipated visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Canada this December could significantly bolster economic relations between the two countries, particularly as they aim to finalize a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by 2026. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasized the importance of this potential agreement for enhancing trade, investment, and security ties.
Modi’s visit would be his first standalone trip to Canada since 2015, marking a pivotal moment in the renewed diplomatic engagement between the two nations. During the visit, Carney hopes to further discussions on the CEPA, which aims to double bilateral trade to C$70 billion annually by 2030. This economic partnership is seen as a strategic move to expand cooperation in energy, technology, artificial intelligence, and defense sectors.
Carney highlighted the progress in negotiations with India, noting the completion of the fourth round of CEPA talks earlier this month and the upcoming fifth round scheduled for October 5. Both countries have expressed a commitment to accelerating these discussions, reflecting a shared goal of concluding the agreement within the proposed timeline.
The potential economic growth resulting from the CEPA is substantial, considering that trade in goods and services between India and Canada amounted to C$30.4 billion in 2025. Carney’s recent visit to India in March 2026 set the stage for this renewed engagement, as both leaders agreed to expedite negotiations and strengthen bilateral ties.
The upcoming G20 summit in Miami this December offers a strategic platform for these discussions, as Carney expressed his anticipation of hosting Modi during this period. The visit underscores a critical effort by both nations to overcome previous diplomatic strains and foster a robust economic partnership.