Canada and India launch Trade and Investment Forum; aim to conclude CEPA talks by end of 2026
In a joint statement released on 29 May 2026, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Canada's Minister Sidhu launched the Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum and aimed to conclude Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement talks by the end of the year.
Summary
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Canadian Minister Sidhu issued a Canada-India Joint Statement on the 2026 Trade and Investment Forum. Minister Sidhu welcomed Goyal and what was described as the largest Indian delegation ever sent anywhere. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and set the objective of concluding negotiations by the end of the year. They launched the Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum as a platform for business leaders, with focus sectors such as clean energy, critical minerals, agri-food and digital technologies.
Key facts
- Countries
- India and Canada
- Ministers
- Piyush Goyal (India), Sidhu (Canada)
- Launched
- Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum
- CEPA
- Aim to conclude negotiations by end of 2026
- Focus sectors
- Clean energy, critical minerals, agri-food, advanced manufacturing, digital, skills
Practice MCQs 2 questions
As per the Canada-India Joint Statement of May 2026, by when do both sides aim to conclude negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — By the end of 2026
Both Ministers affirmed their shared objective of concluding CEPA negotiations by the end of this year (2026).
Which platform was launched by India and Canada in May 2026 to bring together business leaders of both countries?
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Correct answer: A — Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum
The Ministers launched the Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum as a key platform for Canadian and Indian business leaders.