Negotiations between India and Canada for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) are moving at a faster pace, with the fifth round of talks scheduled to begin on October 5, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said.

The development follows the completion of the fourth round of negotiations on September 18. Both countries are now working to accelerate discussions, with a shared objective of concluding the trade agreement by the end of 2026.

Goyal said the next 90 days could be an important phase for India-Canada economic relations. The latest discussions also followed meetings between Goyal and Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu during his Mumbai visit.

Bilateral trade between India and Canada was around $30.4 billion in 2025, with both countries targeting $70 billion by 2030. India’s exports to Canada include pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, seafood, cotton garments, electronics and chemicals.

The CEPA negotiations are expected to cover market access for goods and services, along with wider trade and investment issues. The progress of the talks could create new opportunities for businesses in both countries as negotiations continue.