Toronto – At a news conference on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the two nations are moving forward on a comprehensive trade agreement with India. He described the negotiations as “good progress” and said both sides are committed to finalizing the deal by the G20 summit scheduled for Dec. 14‑15 at Trump National Doral in Miami.

Strategic trade diversification

Carney highlighted the agreement as a key component of his decade‑long plan to double Canada’s non‑U.S. trade. By deepening ties with India, the government hopes to reduce reliance on the United States, especially as relations between Washington and Ottawa have become more strained under President Trump.

Broader international outreach

Earlier this year, Carney welcomed the prospect of Canada becoming the European Union’s first associate member, arguing that stronger ties with Europe would protect Canadian markets and sovereignty. He also secured a limited‑tariff deal with China that allows a small number of Chinese electric vehicles into Canada in exchange for reduced Canadian canola tariffs.

Background to the talks

Canada and India formally launched negotiations in March and have pledged to conclude the talks by the end of 2026. The effort follows a diplomatic rupture after the 2023 killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, which led Canada to expel six Indian diplomats amid allegations of Indian involvement.

Carney’s recent visit to India marked the first bilateral trip by a Canadian prime minister since 2018, signaling a renewed commitment to repairing ties and expanding economic cooperation.

Upcoming visit

Carney indicated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada around the same time as the G20 summit, though a specific date has not yet been set.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.