Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December as New Delhi pushes to expand trade ties with both Canada and Mexico, seeking new markets as global commerce faces disruption from U.S. tariff policies.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Modi is likely to travel to Canada in December, with the visit potentially providing an opportunity to conclude a long-awaited trade agreement between the two countries. The development comes as India and Canada prepare for another round of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Negotiators are expected to hold their fifth round of talks beginning Oct. 5 after discussions concluded last week. Canadian officials have expressed optimism that the CEPA could be completed by the end of the year, although important issues remain under negotiation.
The proposed agreement would deepen commercial ties between two economies that have been working to repair relations following years of diplomatic tensions. Canada and India agreed in November 2025 to restart negotiations, with the countries aiming to substantially expand bilateral trade.
Energy and critical minerals are among the areas attracting particular attention. Canada is looking to expand exports of liquefied natural gas, uranium and other resources, while Indian companies are exploring opportunities involving Canadian critical-mineral projects. Both governments have also discussed cooperation in nuclear energy and other strategic industries.
At the same time, India is accelerating negotiations with Mexico. New Delhi is working toward a framework that could strengthen market access and expand trade in sectors including automobiles, steel, pharmaceuticals, machinery and automotive components.
The push toward Canada and Mexico reflects a broader effort by India to diversify its trading relationships. Canada is pursuing a similar strategy, seeking to reduce its dependence on the United States by building stronger economic relationships with India and other major markets.
The three countries — India, Canada and Mexico — together represent more than $8 trillion in economic output, giving the emerging trade push considerable potential. Their efforts are also unfolding as businesses adjust to tariffs and shifting supply chains under U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
For India, broader access to Canadian and Mexican markets could create additional opportunities for exporters while helping companies diversify supply chains. For Canada and Mexico, deeper ties with India could provide access to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing major economies.
The talks are still subject to negotiations over market access, tariffs and other terms, meaning a December visit by Modi would not by itself guarantee that an agreement will be finalized.
With India simultaneously advancing discussions with Canada and Mexico, the coming months could reveal how far New Delhi can broaden its trade network as the global economy adjusts to a more fragmented and tariff-heavy trading environment.
