Carney Says Modi Expected In Canada In December As Trade Talks Advance

NEW YORK, NY-Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December, as India and Canada work to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026.

Carney said trade negotiations with India were making “good progress” and described the bilateral relationship as “exceptionally important” across several areas.

“We’re making good progress in our trade negotiations with India. It is an exceptionally important relationship, on many, many levels… He (PM Modi) will be visiting Canada around that time. I very much look forward to hosting him,” Carney said during a press briefing on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22.

The expected visit comes as the two countries seek to accelerate negotiations on the CEPA, which is aimed at expanding trade and economic ties between India and Canada.

Earlier this week, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said she looked forward to meeting Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss the CEPA.

India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also held a meeting with Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu earlier this week on advancing the CEPA negotiations. (IANS)