Piyush Goyal To Visit Canada In May As CEPA Talks Gain Momentum
India is set to intensify its global trade engagements as Piyush Goyal prepares for an official visit to Canada in May 2026, at a time when negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries are gaining momentum.
The proposed visit follows the formal launch of CEPA negotiations on March 2 and was discussed during Goyal’s meeting with Maninder Sidhu on the sidelines of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaounde. Both sides emphasized the need to expedite negotiations and deepen bilateral economic engagement. Canada has also proposed sending a business delegation to India, focusing on high-technology sectors such as aerospace, defence and space.
The discussions further highlighted opportunities for collaboration in clean energy transition, including nuclear energy, alongside key sectors such as agriculture and critical minerals areas increasingly central to long-term trade and investment partnerships.
In parallel, India’s trade diplomacy is advancing on multiple fronts. During talks with Peter J Kyle, both sides reviewed the implementation roadmap for the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed on July 24, 2025. With India having completed its internal approvals and the UK finalizing parliamentary ratification, both countries are now aligned on bringing the agreement into force within agreed timelines. Goyal also underscored the importance of industry outreach to ensure widespread utilization of the agreement’s benefits across Indian businesses.
Engagements with the European Union also moved forward, as Goyal met Maros Sefcovic to review progress on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Both sides reiterated their commitment to completing procedural requirements at the earliest to facilitate the signing of the pact.
Further expanding India’s trade outreach, Goyal held discussions with Todd McClay, focusing on preparations for the upcoming visit of Narendra Modi to New Zealand. New Zealand confirmed that a substantial set of deliverables is being finalized, reflecting growing momentum in bilateral cooperation.
These engagements underline India’s strategic push to strengthen trade partnerships across key global markets, diversify supply chains and secure long-term economic opportunities through comprehensive trade agreements.
