India, Canada conclude second round of CEPA negotiations in New Delhi

India and Canada have concluded the second round of negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties.

The negotiations were held from May 4 to 8 at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi and were hosted by the Department of Commerce.

According to an official statement, the discussions were conducted in line with the Terms of Reference signed by the Trade Ministers of the two countries on March 2, 2026.

Officials from both sides described the talks as “constructive and productive” and reiterated their commitment to pursuing a balanced, ambitious and mutually beneficial agreement.

The negotiations covered several key areas, including trade in goods and services, intellectual property rights, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and technical barriers to trade.

India and Canada also agreed to continue discussions in a cooperative spirit ahead of the next round of negotiations scheduled to be held in Ottawa in July 2026.

Both countries will continue intersessional engagements in the interim period to advance the negotiations further.