Canada Aims to Finalize India Trade Deal by Year-End, Citing Energy and Minerals

Canada is optimistic it can conclude negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India by the end of the year, according to the country's minister for international trade. The statement reinforces a timeline previously set by Canadian officials for finalizing a free trade pact.

"I’m feeling very, very optimistic and energetic that we can get it done in the coming months," Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu told Reuters in a Saturday interview in Mumbai. To advance the talks, Indian trade negotiators are expected to visit Canada next month, with a potential meeting between the two countries' leaders on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in December, Sidhu added.

Energy and Minerals at Core of Talks

Energy cooperation is a central component of the proposed agreement. Canada is positioning itself as a key supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG), highlighting a Shell-led export facility that launched last year and five other projects in various stages of development.

"We’re having conversations with Indian firms on how they can access those projects, but also how they can invest and secure supply in those projects," Sidhu said. Beyond LNG, the countries are exploring collaboration in nuclear energy, where Canada could leverage its established industry to help India expand its domestic capacity and supply chain.

Ad

Securing Strategic Supply Chains

The negotiations also address the growing global focus on securing access to critical minerals. According to Sidhu, several major Indian conglomerates are exploring investments in Canadian mineral projects as a measure to de-risk their supply chains.

• Companies cited include Reliance Industries, Mahindra and Mahindra, and the JSW Group.
• The minister noted that firms are increasingly looking at co-investment models as a response to the "weaponisation" of global supply chains.