NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit India in early March to advance talks on a sweeping trade deal with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a senior Canadian official said Monday.
Victor Fedeli, Ontario’s minister of economic development, job creation and trade, said Carney will likely travel to New Delhi on March 1-2. The visit aims to push forward a framework for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Canada and India. The planned trip signals a major step in rebuilding Canada-India relations and expanding bilateral trade at a time of shifting global alliances.
Carney’s visit comes as Canada looks to reduce its economic dependence on the United States. The U.S. remains Canada’s largest trading partner. But new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump have added pressure on Ottawa to diversify its trade relationships. Carney has made trade diversification a top priority. He wants to strengthen Canada’s economic partnerships in fast-growing markets, including India. India is one of the world’s largest economies and a key player in global supply chains, artificial intelligence, and digital services.
Officials from both countries have discussed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, often referred to as a CEPA. The deal would lower trade barriers, increase market access, and promote investment between the two nations. Fedeli said Canada’s federal government has already consulted provinces, including Ontario, to prepare for successful negotiations. Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and a major hub for manufacturing, technology, and financial services. Its support plays a critical role in shaping national trade policy.
Carney’s trip also marks an effort to reset diplomatic ties with India after a period of tension. Relations between Ottawa and New Delhi deteriorated in 2023 when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada. India denied the allegation. The dispute strained diplomatic relations and slowed progress on trade talks.
Carney now aims to rebuild trust and reopen economic discussions. His visit to India reflects a broader strategy to move past recent disputes and focus on shared economic interests. India and Canada share strong people-to-people ties. Canada is home to a large Indian diaspora. Trade between the two countries has grown steadily in recent years, but both governments believe it can expand much further.
Modi and Carney agreed in November to resume trade discussions on the sidelines of the G20 summit. They set an ambitious target to double bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement could play a key role in achieving that goal. Such a pact would likely cover goods, services, technology, clean energy, and investment flows.
India has emerged as a major destination for global investment. It continues to expand its manufacturing base and digital economy. Canada, meanwhile, offers strengths in natural resources, clean technology, artificial intelligence, and higher education. Stronger trade ties could benefit sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and renewable energy. Canadian companies seek better access to India’s large consumer market. Indian firms look for opportunities in Canada’s energy, mining, and tech sectors.
Carney’s upcoming India visit reflects broader changes in global trade patterns. Many countries now seek to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on a single partner. Canada’s outreach to India fits into that trend.
India has also increased its engagement with Western economies. It aims to attract foreign investment and expand exports. A Canada-India trade agreement would support India’s ambition to become a global manufacturing and innovation hub. Trade experts say political stability and sustained dialogue will prove essential for progress. Both governments must address regulatory barriers, market access issues, and investment protections.
Still, officials on both sides express optimism. Fedeli said provincial input has paved the way for productive talks. He expects discussions in early March to move the process forward. Carney’s India visit will test whether both countries can turn renewed diplomacy into concrete economic gains. If successful, the trip could mark a turning point in Canada-India relations and reshape their trade partnership for the next decade.
