India and Canada successfully concluded the second round of negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, held from four to eight May, 2026, at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi and hosted by the Department of Commerce, Government of India. The talks proceeded under the Terms of Reference that the trade ministers of both countries signed on two March 2026, providing the framework for structured discussions and ministerial engagement.

The negotiations involved sustained technical exchanges and interdepartmental coordination as officials from both sides advanced text in multiple areas. Delegations reaffirmed their commitment to pursue a balanced, ambitious and mutually beneficial agreement that seeks to deepen bilateral trade and economic ties while addressing contemporary regulatory and commercial concerns.

Detailed discussions were held across chapters, including Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Intellectual Property, Rules of Origin, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Technical Barriers to Trade, with negotiators exchanging proposals and refining wording on market access, regulatory cooperation and protection of innovations. Workstreams addressed procedural modalities for customs facilitation and mechanisms to enhance predictability for businesses on both sides.

Both sides agreed to continue negotiations in a constructive and cooperative spirit and planned to meet for the next round in July 2026 in Ottawa, Canada, with intersessional engagements to continue in the interim. Officials indicated that subsequent rounds would build on the technical work completed and aim to bring the process closer to a comprehensive outcome acceptable to both parties within a realistic timetable.

Observers noted the talks aimed to address issues affecting exporters and service providers, with an emphasis on ensuring rules of origin and intellectual property provisions support innovation and small and medium-sized enterprises. Both sides planned to maintain regular intersessional engagement to resolve technical issues and prepare negotiating texts ahead of ministerial consultations.