Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday said a proposed free trade agreement with India could be a “game changer” for Canada, as both countries push to deepen economic ties and accelerate negotiations on a broader trade pact.
Carney made the remarks after meeting Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in Ottawa, where the two sides reviewed progress on negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The Canadian leader said the agreement could unlock significant opportunities for workers and businesses in both countries.
Goyal said India and Canada are also aiming to expand bilateral trade from the current level of around $17 billion to $50 billion by 2030. He expressed optimism about an early conclusion of the CEPA and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings during his meeting with Carney.
The discussions covered cooperation in sectors including energy, agriculture, technology and education. Canadian officials said both sides had made substantial progress in the first two rounds of talks and remained committed to finalising the agreement within the year.
Goyal also praised Carney for helping reset bilateral relations, saying his leadership had placed India-Canada ties on a new trajectory with greater focus and momentum.
The renewed push comes after relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply following tensions under former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Diplomatic ties have since shown signs of recovery under Carney, with both governments seeking stronger economic engagement and broader strategic cooperation.
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