India and Canada Wrap Up Third Round of Trade Pact Negotiations
- Nishadil
- July 13, 2026
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Delhi sees a pivotal meeting as both nations aim to seal a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
India and Canada concluded their third round of talks on a proposed CEPA, with progress on market access, agriculture, and services, though key issues linger.
New Delhi – After weeks of back‑and‑forth, the Indian and Canadian trade teams wrapped up their third round of talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The meeting, held at the Ministry of Commerce, saw ministers Piyush Goyal and Mary Ng exchanging a mix of optimism and caution.
Both sides touted modest gains. Canada secured a tentative nod for greater access to India’s dairy and meat markets – a point that has long been a sore spot for Ottawa. In return, India pressed for smoother entry of its pharmaceuticals and IT services into Canadian territory, arguing that these sectors are crucial for its export growth.
“We’re moving forward, but there’s still work to do,” Goyal remarked, his tone betraying a familiar diplomatic patience. Ng, meanwhile, acknowledged the challenges, noting that domestic stakeholders in both countries will need to be convinced before any final agreement can be signed.
Key sticking points remain, especially around agricultural tariffs and regulatory standards. Canadian farmers are wary of competing with Indian producers, while Indian dairy cooperatives fear an influx of Canadian cheese. The two ministries agreed to set up a technical sub‑committee to iron out these details over the coming months.
As the talks head toward a possible conclusion later this year, analysts say the CEPA could reshape bilateral trade, lifting it well beyond the current $10‑plus billion level. For now, the third round stands as a testament to both nations’ willingness to keep the dialogue alive, even if the path ahead is anything but straight‑forward.
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