India, Canada Complete Second CEPA Negotiation Round
Both nations agree to deepen trade engagement through proposed economic partnership pact
- India and Canada conclude second CEPA negotiation round
- Talks held at Vanijya Bhawan from May 4 to 8
- Discussions covered trade, services, intellectual property and market access
- Next negotiation round scheduled in Ottawa in July 2026
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 8th May: India and Canada have successfully concluded the second round of negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The negotiations were held from May 4 to May 8 at Vanijya Bhawan and were hosted by the Department of Commerce under the Government of India.
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the discussions were conducted in line with the Terms of Reference signed by the trade ministers of both countries on March 2, 2026.
Officials from both sides described the negotiations as constructive and productive, reaffirming their commitment to achieving a balanced, ambitious and mutually beneficial trade agreement.
The talks covered several key areas including Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Intellectual Property Rights, Rules of Origin, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Technical Barriers to Trade.
Both countries agreed to continue negotiations in a cooperative spirit while intensifying intersessional engagements ahead of the next formal round.
The third round of CEPA negotiations is scheduled to take place in Ottawa in July 2026.
The proposed CEPA is expected to further expand bilateral trade, improve market access and enhance economic collaboration across multiple sectors between India and Canada.
