Overview
Canadian officials are pressing to complete talks on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement - CEPA - with India by year-end, the country's trade minister said while visiting Mumbai. The minister described his outlook on the timetable as upbeat and energetic, noting discussions are underway across several strategic sectors.
Timeline and diplomatic engagement
According to the minister, Indian trade negotiators are expected to travel to Canada next month. He also indicated that leaders from Ottawa and New Delhi are likely to meet on the sidelines of the G-20 gathering in December, providing another diplomatic window to advance negotiations. The minister recalled that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had earlier said during a March trip to New Delhi that the two countries would aim to agree a free trade pact by the end of the year.
Energy sector focus
Energy is a central area of discussion in the negotiations. The minister pointed to a Shell-led liquefied natural gas export facility that launched in Canada last year and noted that Canada has five more LNG projects in various phases of development. "We’re having conversations with Indian firms on how they can access those projects, but also how they can invest and secure supply in those projects," he said, while declining to provide further details.
The minister also flagged nuclear energy as a potential field for expanded cooperation. He said India is looking to significantly boost capacity and added: "Canada has a long history in the nuclear industry, and I do see a lot of benefit for Canadian companies and industries to help build up a supply chain here in India."
Critical minerals and supply chain investment
Beyond energy, several large Indian business groups are reported to be exploring investments in Canadian critical mineral projects as a route to secure supply chains. The minister named Reliance Industries, Mahindra and Mahindra and the JSW Group as among those looking at opportunities in Canada. He said companies are considering co-investment models "as supply chains are getting weaponised," describing this as part of efforts to lock in reliable sources of key inputs.
What remains unclear
While the minister expressed optimism about reaching an agreement within months, he declined to share more granular details on project agreements, investment structures or timelines for the Canadian LNG projects beyond noting their different stages of development. The coming weeks, including the planned visit by Indian negotiators to Canada, will likely reveal additional specifics.
Reporting focus: trade negotiations, energy project participation, and critical mineral investments are central to Canada-India economic talks ahead of a possible year-end conclusion.