PM Modi Likely to Visit Canada This December as Landmark Trade Pact Nears Finish Line

• by Akanksha Mishra
• 2026-09-23 16:06:00

In a landmark signal of diplomatic stabilization and renewed commercial momentum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to undertake an official state visit to Canada this December to finalize a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement between New Delhi and Ottawa. Confirming the high-profile development on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney briefed reporters on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, describing the strategic partnership with India as fundamentally indispensable. Carney stated that both sovereign administrations are actively working to formally conclude the long-pending economic pact before the close of the calendar year, setting the stage for a reset in bilateral cooperation across economic, security, and diasporic verticals.

'Hugely Important Relationship': Carney Praises Progress Across Security and People-to-People Ties

Reflecting on the accelerated trajectory of formal deliberations, Prime Minister Carney highlighted the multi-dimensional character of the partnership, pointing out that New Delhi and Ottawa share deep synergies spanning people-to-people connections, geopolitical security architecture, and high-value trade corridors. Expressing enthusiasm about personally hosting the Indian Prime Minister on Canadian soil, Carney noted that the negotiation teams have achieved substantial common ground across contentious clauses that previously stalled trade integration. The upcoming December bilateral visit will serve as the diplomatic apex to ratify the finalized treaty, sending a clear global message that mutual economic priorities and international market integration remain paramount.

October 5 Round to Fast-Track Deal: Piyush Goyal and Maninder Sidhu Drive Early Progress Pact

The diplomatic breakthrough follows structured trade deliberations spearheaded by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, who concluded their fourth round of formal trade talks in Mumbai last week. Characterizing the Mumbai engagements as highly productive, Goyal announced that both governments resolved to accelerate discussions, scheduling the decisive fifth round of negotiations to commence on October 5. While bilateral trade talks have spanned more than a decade since their inception and subsequent revitalization in March 2022, both sides have strategically prioritized an Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) as an operational bridge toward a full Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), unlocking expansive tariff relaxations and cross-border investment protections.

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