India-Canada trade deal by the end of the year, Canadian High Commissioner Cooter says
Canadian High Commissioner Christopher Cooter announced that a trade deal between India and Canada is expected by the end of the year, potentially coinciding with a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted significant Canadian investment in India, estimated at $80 billion USD, and urged India to ease tax and regulatory issues to further boost bilateral investment. Cooter noted the rapid progress in negotiations compared to previous stalled efforts.
Why it matters
This deal could significantly boost trade and investment between two major economies, creating jobs and fostering deeper economic ties. It also signals a strengthening of diplomatic relations and economic cooperation between India and Canada.
The India-Canada trade deal will be ready by the end of the year, Canadian High Commissioner Christopher Cooter told The Hindu, adding that the two countries are planning for their increased engagement this year to culminate in a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Canada in December.
Speaking at The Hindu Mind in New Delhi, Mr. Cooter said that India and Canada had ample opportunities to invest in each other, saying that bilateral investment could scale up to $1 trillion.
He did, however, point out that India could ease some tax and regulatory issues to spur further investment, something Canada was engaging with the Union Finance Ministry on.
“Previously, we discussed for 12 years, and we got no trade agreement,” Mr. Cooter said. “This time, we started in March 2026. We’ve probably done more in these six months than we did in those 12 years.”
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