India and Canada Conclude Second Round of CEPA Negotiations

Ø India–Canada Joint Statement on the Conclusion of the Second Round of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Negotiations

· India and Canada successfully concluded the second round of negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

· The negotiations were held from 4–8 May 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan and hosted by the Department of Commerce.

· The discussions were conducted under the Terms of Reference signed by the Trade Ministers of both countries on 2 March 2026.

· Both sides described the negotiations as constructive and productive.

· India and Canada reaffirmed their commitment to achieving:

o A balanced agreement,

o An ambitious framework,

o A mutually beneficial trade partnership.

Key Areas Discussed

· Trade in Goods,

· Trade in Services,

· Intellectual Property,

· Rules of Origin,

· Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures,

· Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT),

· Other trade-related chapters.

Next Steps

· Both countries agreed to continue negotiations in a constructive and cooperative manner.

· The next round of CEPA negotiations is scheduled for July 2026 in Ottawa.

· Intersessional engagements between the two sides will continue before the next formal round of talks.

[ABS News Service/09.05.2026]

India and Canada successfully concluded the second round of negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), held from 4–8 May 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, and hosted by the Department of Commerce, Government of India.

The discussions were held in accordance with the Terms of Reference signed by the Trade Ministers of both countries on 2 March 2026. The negotiations witnessed constructive and productive engagement between the two sides. India and Canada reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing a balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties.

Detailed discussions were held across a wide range of chapters, including Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Intellectual Property, Rules of Origin, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, and Technical Barriers to Trade, among others.

Both sides agreed to continue negotiations in a constructive and cooperative spirit and looked forward to the next round of discussions, scheduled to be held in July 2026 in Ottawa, Canada, with intersessional engagements to continue in the interim.