Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern about certain issues in Canada during his meeting with Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau at the G20 Summit, the two countries are reportedly taking a break in their discussions. Confirming this development, a senior government official stated that talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Canada are expected to resume once the issues between the two countries are resolved.
The strained relationship between India and Canada is primarily due to the activities of pro-Khalistan groups in Canada. In July, India summoned the Canadian envoy and issued a demarche after posters naming senior Indian diplomats in Canada surfaced in some areas.
Before the G20 Summit, Canadian media reported that Ottawa had requested a pause in trade negotiations. Following a meeting between Modi and Trudeau at the summit on September 10, India released a strongly-worded statement expressing concerns about extremist activities in Canada that incite violence against Indian diplomats and the Indian community.
Trudeau emphasized Canada’s commitment to freedom of expression and peaceful protest while condemning violence and hatred. In March 2022, India and Canada agreed to restart CEPA negotiations, with nine rounds of talks held until July. Discussions covered various aspects like goods, trade remedies, services, and institutional provisions.
In 2022, India was Canada’s 10th largest trading partner, with total exports to Canada amounting to US$4.10 billion and imports from Canada at US$4.05 billion. Trade relations between the two countries have been significant, with India also being the largest source of international students in Canada since 2018.
Indian exports to Canada in 2022-23 increased to US$4.10 billion, while imports from Canada rose to US$4.05 billion. During April-June, India’s exports to Canada were valued at US$911.10 million, with imports worth US$990.79 million.
Canadian Pension Funds have invested around US$55 billion in India, and cumulative FDI from Canada stands at US$4.07 billion. Over 600 Canadian companies are present in India, while Indian companies are active in various sectors in Canada.
Key exports to Canada include gems, pharmaceutical products, garments, and mechanical appliances, while imports consist of pulses, newsprint, and industrial chemicals.
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