Canada and India Poised to Finalize Trade Agreement by Year-End
By Editor • September 10, 2026 • 1 min read
The Canadian High Commissioner to India, Christopher Cooter, announced that a trade deal between Canada and India is expected to be finalized by the end of this year. This declaration came during an event in New Delhi on September 10, where Cooter emphasized the growing bilateral relationship and the potential for significant investment opportunities.
Cooter expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations, highlighting that discussions have been more productive in the last six months than they were over the previous twelve years. He noted that both nations are keen to enhance their economic ties, with an eye towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's anticipated visit to Canada in December. "Our hope is that we get there by the time of a Modi visit to Canada," he stated, indicating that the agreement could be reached within nine months of the discussions commencing in March 2026.
Despite current trade volumes being relatively modest at approximately $8 billion, Cooter pointed out that the investment relationship is robust. Canadian pension funds and institutional investors have invested roughly $80 billion in India, making Canada a significant player in the Indian market alongside Singapore and the UAE. Cooter explained that about 75% of these investments are in physical assets, which creates substantial job opportunities in Canada.
Looking forward, Cooter identified potential sectors for collaboration, particularly in mining, where he believes Canadian companies could significantly contribute to India's resource extraction and processing industries. He suggested that addressing some regulatory and tax issues could further enhance Canadian investment in India, stating that investors are very optimistic about the Indian market and eager to explore more opportunities.
Source: www.thehindu.com
