Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December to sign a trade agreement with the Canadian government, The Globe and Mail reported on Tuesday, according to media outlet.
Trade Deal Signals Renewed Economic Ties
The potential visit comes as India and Canada work to strengthen economic relations and advance negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said last week that Ottawa was optimistic about completing negotiations by the end of 2026. Indian trade negotiators are expected to travel to Canada in October, while Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are likely to meet around the G20 gathering in December.
Focus on Energy and Critical Minerals
The negotiations cover several areas of economic cooperation, including energy, critical minerals and investment. Canada is seeking to expand access to the growing Indian market, while Indian companies are exploring opportunities in Canadian critical-mineral projects.
Energy is also emerging as an important area, with discussions involving Canadian liquefied natural gas supplies and cooperation in nuclear energy.
Relations Improve After Earlier Strains
The expected trade agreement is part of a broader effort to rebuild and expand India-Canada relations after a period of diplomatic tensions.
The two governments have increased high-level engagement in 2026. During a June meeting at the G7 summit in France, Modi and Carney reviewed progress on trade, energy, technology and supply chains and reaffirmed their objective of concluding the CEPA negotiations this year.
Canada’s government said earlier this month that both countries remain committed to completing the CEPA negotiations before the end of 2026, with an objective of more than doubling bilateral trade to C$70 billion by 2030.
If confirmed, Modi’s December visit would provide an opportunity for both governments to formally mark the completion of the trade negotiations and deepen their economic partnership.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
