Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says trade negotiations with India are progressing well, with both countries targeting a deal by December’s G20 summit.
Canada and India Target Year-End Trade Agreement
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada and India are making progress in negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement, with both countries aiming to complete the process before the G20 summit in December.
Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Carney said discussions with India were moving forward and confirmed that he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to work toward concluding negotiations by the upcoming summit.
“We are making good progress in our trade negotiations with India,” Carney said.
The G20 summit is scheduled to take place on December 14 and 15 at Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida.
Modi Expected to Visit Canada During G20 Period
Carney also indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to Canada around the time of the G20 summit. According to Carney, India had confirmed the potential visit, although the exact date had not yet been finalized.
A visit by Modi would represent another step in Canada’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations following several years of diplomatic tensions.
Canada Seeks to Expand Global Trade Partnerships
The proposed trade agreement with India forms part of Carney’s broader economic strategy to reduce Canada’s dependence on the United States.
The Canadian prime minister has set a goal of doubling the country’s trade outside the U.S. over the next decade. The initiative comes amid strained economic relations with Washington under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Canada has also been exploring stronger economic ties with other international partners. Last week, Carney expressed support for the possibility of Canada becoming the European Union’s first associate member, arguing that closer European cooperation could help protect Canada’s economic independence and sovereignty.
Earlier this year, Canada reached an agreement with China that allows a limited number of Chinese electric vehicles to enter the Canadian market at reduced tariffs. In return, China agreed to lower tariffs on Canadian canola.
Trade Negotiations Follow Diplomatic Dispute
Canada and India officially began negotiations on a comprehensive trade agreement in March. Both governments committed to completing the discussions by the end of 2026.
The renewed economic engagement follows a significant diplomatic dispute linked to the 2023 killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously stated that credible allegations pointed to possible links between Indian government agents and the killing. Canadian authorities subsequently reported evidence allegedly connecting Indian government agents to homicides and other violent activities in Canada.
Canada expelled six Indian diplomats amid the allegations. Indian authorities rejected the accusations and accused Canada of providing space to Sikh separatists.
The dispute led to a major deterioration in relations between the two countries.
Carney Works to Restore Bilateral Relations
Since taking office, Mark Carney has pursued efforts to rebuild Canada’s relationship with India.
His visit to India earlier this year marked the first bilateral trip by a Canadian prime minister to the country since 2018.
The ongoing trade negotiations and potential visit by Modi indicate efforts by both governments to expand economic cooperation while addressing the challenges that have affected their diplomatic relationship.
The outcome of the negotiations will depend on the progress made by both sides before the December deadline.
