Canada has said it is focused on concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India as the two countries begin the fifth round of negotiations in Ottawa on Monday. The Canadian government said the agreement could create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers while strengthening trade and economic ties with India, one of the world's largest economies. Ahead of the latest round of talks, Canada's Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu said the country was ready to deepen its partnership with India across several sectors. “From energy to critical minerals to aerospace, Canada is ready to be the reliable partner India needs,” Sidhu said in a statement issued on Sunday.

He added that Ottawa was focused on concluding a trade agreement that would open new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. The fifth round of CEPA negotiations is expected to build on recent discussions between officials and ministers from the two countries. Sidhu said the talks would build on the momentum generated by his visit to Mumbai two weeks ago, as well as his meeting with India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on the sidelines of the G20 trade ministers' meeting in Milwaukee last week. The latest round comes as both sides seek to maintain progress towards a broader economic partnership.

Energy is expected to be an important area of cooperation in the trade discussions. Sidhu highlighted India's growing energy requirements and said the country's energy needs are expected to increase by 70% by 2035. “Canada is ready to deliver,” he said, pointing to Canada's potential role as a long-term energy partner for India. Greater cooperation in energy could form part of the wider economic opportunities being discussed as the two countries work towards the CEPA. Critical minerals are another area where Canada is seeking to strengthen economic ties with India.

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Canada has significant resources and capabilities in the critical minerals sector, while India is seeking to strengthen supply chains for materials that are important to manufacturing, technology and the energy transition. Aerospace is also among the sectors identified by the Canadian government as having potential for deeper bilateral cooperation under the proposed trade framework. The negotiations come amid efforts by both countries to expand bilateral trade and investment across a wider range of sectors. A comprehensive economic partnership agreement is intended to provide a broader framework for market access and business opportunities, although the final outcome will depend on the issues resolved during negotiations.

Both sides will need to work through their respective priorities as officials seek to advance the agreement. The fifth round of talks in Ottawa is therefore being closely watched as Canada and India attempt to build on recent diplomatic and commercial engagement. Ottawa has expressed its intention to conclude the agreement, while highlighting the potential benefits for Canadian businesses, workers and exporters. With discussions covering areas including energy, critical minerals and aerospace, the latest round is expected to provide another opportunity for both sides to advance negotiations towards a comprehensive trade partnership.

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