India–Canada CEPA Round 5: The $70 Billion Opportunity for Business and Immigration

This week (October 5–9, 2026), negotiators from India and Canada are meeting in Ottawa for the fifth round of talks on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Both governments have set an ambitious target: conclude the deal by the end of 2026 — and double two-way trade from $30.4 billion to $70 billion a year by 2030.

The numbers

Canadian figures, 2025: two-way trade ~$30.4B, target $70B by 2030 (announced by Minister Maninder Sidhu). Merchandise trade $13.6B — Canadian exports $3.9B (vegetables, mineral fuels and oils, wood pulp); imports $9.7B (precious stones and metals, machinery, pharmaceuticals). Services trade $15.2B, with education-related travel the largest share.

Momentum is real

Talks paused in 2023 after a diplomatic rupture and were formally revived in November 2025. PM Modi and PM Carney met at the G7 in Kananaskis (June 2025). A ~300-member Team Canada Trade Mission visits New Delhi October 12–17, 2026. PM Modi is expected to visit Canada around December, with both sides eyeing the G20 summit (December 14–15, Miami). Note: year-end conclusion is a stated target, not a done deal.

Sectors on the table

Energy, critical minerals, aerospace, artificial intelligence — alongside the agri-food and pharmaceutical flows already moving both ways.

What it means for business

For Indian businesses, a formal trade corridor into Canada’s energy, minerals and tech demand. For Canadian businesses, access to India’s ~7%-a-year growth story and its vast consumer and industrial market. For SMEs on both sides: lower barriers, clearer rules, and first-mover advantage for those who position now — not after the ink dries.

What it means for immigration

Services trade already leads at $15.2B, and education-related travel is its biggest piece — student mobility is the living bridge of this relationship. Deeper economic integration always brings deeper people-to-people ties: business visitors, intra-company transferees, entrepreneurs and professionals. Watch the services and mobility chapters of the final deal closely — they will shape how talent and founders move between the two countries.

The bottom line

Opportunity favours the prepared. Whether you are a business looking across the Pacific or a professional planning your Canadian future, the time to get your strategy ready is now.

Thinking of doing business in Canada, or planning immigration? Talk to us — CSBSC for business consultancy, Kamal Visa for a regulated immigration assessment of your profile. Contact: info@kamalimmigration.com | +1 647 461 2345.

Choudhary Kamaljeet Singh Sodhi, Business Consultant, Canadian Startup Business Services Corp.

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