Canada is preparing to send nearly 300 business delegates to India in its largest trade mission to the country in more than 30 years. The visit, scheduled from October 12 to 17, 2026, will cover Mumbai and Bengaluru as Ottawa looks to deepen commercial ties and advance negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The delegation will be led by Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, according to an official statement issued on Friday. The mission aims to connect Canadian businesses with Indian policymakers, industry leaders and potential customers while encouraging partnerships and investment.
Sidhu said Canada's expertise in sectors such as aerospace, agri-food and clean technology could complement India's growing demand. The initiative is also intended to diversify Canadian trade and create opportunities for businesses and workers.
India-Canada CEPA Talks Enter Key Stage
The trade mission comes as India and Canada work towards concluding CEPA negotiations by the end of 2026. The fifth round of negotiations took place in Ottawa from October 5 to 9.
Sidhu also met India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on October 1 on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting in Milwaukee, United States. Their discussions covered progress in negotiations and efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and investment.
India and Canada renewed their push for a comprehensive trade agreement during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to India in March. Both countries set an ambition to increase two-way trade to CAD 70 billion, or approximately ₹4.75 lakh crore, by 2030.
Bilateral Trade and Major Export Categories
Canadian government data cited in the report put bilateral trade in goods and services at CAD 30.4 billion in 2025. Canada's merchandise exports to India were valued at CAD 3.9 billion, with vegetables, mineral fuels and oils, and wood pulp among the leading categories.
Meanwhile, Canada's merchandise imports from India reached CAD 9.7 billion. Major categories included precious stones and metals, machinery and pharmaceutical products.
The figures underline the scope for expanding commercial exchanges as businesses on both sides explore additional markets, investment opportunities and supply-chain partnerships.
India Becomes More Important to Canada's Trade Strategy
Canada is also seeking to diversify its exports beyond the United States, making India an important part of its broader trade strategy.
Ottawa's Canadian Indo-Pacific Strategy, launched in 2022, identifies trade, security, sustainability, people-to-people ties and regional engagement as five strategic objectives.
The upcoming delegation is expected to help Canadian companies explore opportunities in India's expanding market while supporting progress on the proposed trade agreement.
If negotiations conclude as planned, CEPA could provide a framework for strengthening economic cooperation. However, the agreement remains under negotiation, and the outcome will depend on the progress made by both governments.
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