Jaishankar, Anand Review Progress in CEPA Talks, Push for Early Conclusion
India and Canada seek to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, defence, technology and education, with both sides committed to concluding the proposed trade agreement at the earliest opportunity.
NEW DELHI, Oct. 14: India and Canada on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across key sectors as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand in New Delhi.
The two ministers welcomed the progress made in negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and expressed support for an early conclusion of the proposed trade pact, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Anand, who is visiting India on a working trip, also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, technology and energy, reflecting renewed efforts by both countries to strengthen their economic and strategic partnership.
During the meeting between Jaishankar and Anand, the ministers stressed the need to maintain momentum in high-level engagements and convert diplomatic discussions into concrete outcomes.
They reiterated their commitment to building a constructive and forward-looking partnership that delivers meaningful benefits to the people of both countries, the MEA said.
The discussions covered ongoing initiatives to improve bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Both sides exchanged views on enhancing security and defence ties, while exploring further opportunities for collaboration in the energy sector.
Economic engagement was another key focus, with the ministers discussing ways to expand bilateral trade and deepen commercial cooperation. They also reviewed opportunities to strengthen partnerships in education, science and technology, people-to-people exchanges and multilateral forums.
The talks included an exchange of views on regional and international developments of mutual concern.
The latest engagement follows a telephone conversation between Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday. Modi described the discussion as warm and productive, expressing confidence in further strengthening relations between the two countries.
According to a statement from Carney’s office, both prime ministers reiterated their commitment to completing CEPA negotiations at the earliest opportunity. The agreement is expected to support their shared ambition of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
The proposed agreement aims to create fresh opportunities for businesses, improve market access and encourage greater investment between India and Canada. Its conclusion would represent an important step towards expanding economic cooperation and diversifying commercial ties.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recently confirmed that the fifth round of CEPA negotiations had taken place in Ottawa approximately a week earlier. He said both countries remained committed to securing an agreement that would deliver mutual benefits.
The continued diplomatic engagement and progress in trade discussions indicate that New Delhi and Ottawa are seeking to build on the positive momentum in their relationship. Further negotiations are expected to focus on resolving outstanding issues and advancing the proposed economic partnership.
