Canada has launched its largest trade delegation to India in more than 30 years, bringing nearly 300 business delegates to explore commercial partnerships and investment opportunities. The mission comes as both countries work to strengthen economic relations and advance negotiations on a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said the Team Canada Trade Mission would focus on several sectors, including:
- Aerospace and advanced manufacturing
- Clean energy
- Technology and life sciences
- Agri-food and forestry
The initiative aims to connect Canadian businesses with opportunities in India’s expanding market and build partnerships that benefit companies and workers in both countries.
India and Canada are working towards concluding CEPA negotiations by the end of 2026. The fifth round of negotiations began in Ottawa earlier this month, with energy, critical minerals and aerospace emerging as important areas of cooperation.
Canada has set a target of more than doubling bilateral trade to US$70 billion by 2030, from approximately US$30 billion. According to the Canadian government, bilateral trade reached US$30.4 billion in 2025, including US$11 billion in goods.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is visiting India from October 13 to 16 as part of a two-country tour that also includes the United Arab Emirates.
In New Delhi, Anand is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss cooperation under the bilateral roadmap. The agenda is expected to include trade, energy, people-to-people ties, security and defence.
According to the Canadian government, the meeting will focus on shared priorities and strengthening bilateral engagement. It will be the 11th meeting between the ministers since September 2025.
The proposed CEPA is intended to improve market access and create opportunities for businesses and workers in both countries.
The trade mission is expected to help Canadian companies identify Indian partners, reach new customers and explore investments across manufacturing, technology, energy and agriculture.
Following her India visit, Anand is scheduled to travel to the UAE for discussions on trade, defence, security, artificial intelligence, innovation and people-to-people relations.
