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Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations - Background information

Expanding trade and investment with large, fast-growing markets, including India, is a priority for the Government of Canada. In 2020, India became the world’s sixth-largest economy and is frequently labelled the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with an annual GDP growth regularly above 7 percent.

Two-way merchandise trade between Canada and India was $10.1 billion in 2019; however, due primarily to the COVID-19 pandemic, two-way trade decreased to $8.7 billion in 2020. India’s economy offers tremendous opportunities for Canadian companies in emerging sectors such as transportation infrastructure, life-science, clean energy technology (e.g. integration of renewable energy/smart grid; carbon capture, use and storage; and energy efficiency) and renewable energy, as well as in traditional sectors such as infrastructure development, natural resources, defence and security, value-added food products, mining, and oil and gas. Science and technology collaboration, innovation and educational linkages are also important areas of opportunity for Canadian business.

The Government of Canada is looking at all avenues to deepen our trade and investment relationship. In addition to trade promotion activities, Canada is maintaining strong efforts on advancing negotiations on a Foreign Investment Promotion Protection Agreement (FIPA) and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The Government’s approach is one that puts the interests of Canadians and opportunities for the middle class, women, youth and Indigenous people front and centre.

Status of the negotiations

Last updated March 2021

In 2010, Canada and India launched negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The most recent full negotiating round was held in August 2017 in New Delhi. At that time, constructive discussions were held on various issues, including cross-border trade in goods and services, e-commerce, telecommunications, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and technical barriers to trade.

Since then, Canadian and Indian officials have held several stocktaking meetings, most recently in June 2021.

India is a high-priority trading partner and the Government of Canada continues to work with the Indian government to expand our trade relationship to its full potential and create opportunities for Canadians, including continuing work to make progress on an agreement.

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