Possible Ottawa visit by India trade minister seen as step toward reviving Canada–India trade talks

India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, is expected to visit Canada in the coming weeks, a move that could signal renewed momentum in stalled trade negotiations between the two countries. According to available information, Goyal may travel to Ottawa in the third week of February following a formal invitation from Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu.

The proposed visit is largely focused on restarting discussions around a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which has remained on hold amid diplomatic strains. Both Canada and India have previously stated a shared goal of increasing bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030, but progress has been limited in recent years.

The potential Ottawa trip follows recent high-level meetings in India involving senior Canadian officials. Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson, met with Goyal in New Delhi after attending India Energy Week 2026 in Goa. During that event, Hodgson also held talks with India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, on expanding cooperation in the energy sector.

Discussions between Goyal and Hodgson covered a range of strategic issues, including energy security, critical minerals, renewable energy development, and broader efforts to strengthen Canada–India relations. Supply chains and future investment opportunities were also part of the talks, reflecting areas of mutual economic interest.

As part of the meeting, Goyal hosted Hodgson on a visit to India’s new Parliament building. Goyal described the complex as a blend of heritage and modern design, representing India’s evolving democratic institutions and development priorities.