Dinesh Patnaik, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, on Friday voiced strong optimism about the ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), stating that talks are expected to begin between late February and early March. He made these remarks in an interview with the Financial Post.

Patnaik noted that the decision to relaunch CEPA negotiations was taken by the two Prime Ministers on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Johannesburg. He said both sides are currently finalising the terms of reference. Although discussions on a free trade agreement had been paused for some time due to bilateral issues, that pause has now been lifted. He added that Prime Minister Mark Carney’s team has issued the required 90-day notice to Parliament, clearing the way for formal negotiations to commence soon. According to him, concluding the agreement “should not be difficult at all."

The High Commissioner highlighted that changes in the global and bilateral economic landscape — including India’s economic growth and various trade agreements signed independently by both countries — would positively shape the new round of talks. He expressed confidence that, given the intent on both sides, progress would be swift.

When asked about key areas of focus, Patnaik identified defence, aerospace, mining, and energy among major sectors to be covered. He explained that the agreement aims to reduce tariffs, simplify customs procedures, cut non-tariff barriers, and enhance cooperation in investment, financial instruments, research, innovation, and artificial intelligence. The broader goal, he said, is to make trade and investment smoother by improving logistics, communication, and regulatory processes — likening CEPA to a partnership that removes obstacles to ensure easier collaboration.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, trade and investment ties are central to the broader relationship between the two nations. In 2024, India’s exports to Canada were valued at CAD 8.02 billion, while imports stood at CAD 5.30 billion. Patnaik further stated that while CEPA is important, it is not the sole focus of bilateral engagement. He revealed plans to establish a Canada–India Friendship Society in both parliaments to strengthen legislative and civil society exchanges. He emphasized that despite tensions over the past two years, people-to-people ties, trade, financial cooperation, academic exchanges, and research partnerships have remained strong.

Describing the current state of relations between New Delhi and Ottawa as “extremely good,” Patnaik expressed optimism ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming visit to India. He underscored that shared democratic values and longstanding cooperation should outweigh minor irritants in the relationship.