India Canada Conclude Second Round Of CEPA Talks

12 May 2026 CW Team

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.

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.

Infrastructure Transport

09 Jun 2026

Afcons Secures Rs 53.01 Billion Vadhvan Breakwater Contract

Afcons Infrastructure has received the Letter of Award from Vadhvan Port Project for the construction of a 10.14-km-long breakwater at the upcoming Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra. Valued at Rs 53.01 billion, the project will create what is set to become the second longest breakwater in the world upon completion.The contract marks a significant milestone for the marine infrastructure specialist and is expected to play a crucial role in the development of Vadhvan Port, envisaged as India's largest public port and one of the world's biggest container ports.Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Executive Chairm..

Infrastructure Energy

09 Jun 2026

India Clean Industry Pipeline Grows 30%

India’s clean industry project pipeline has grown by 30 per cent over a six-month period, reflecting rising interest in low-carbon industrial growth amid geopolitical and supply-chain uncertainty.Mission Possible Partnership’s latest Global Project Tracker shows that India now has the world’s third-largest clean industrial project pipeline by project count, after China and the United States. The country has 65 projects across four sectors and 11 states, representing an estimated $433.07 billion investment opportunity in clean fuels, chemicals and low-carbon manufacturing.The pipeline inc..

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jun 2026

Kärcher Showcases Professional Cleaning Solutions

Kärcher India recently showcased its professional cleaning solutions portfolio for commercial, industrial, hospitality, healthcare, retail, automotive and institutional applications. The range includes cleaning agents and detergents designed to support efficiency, material safety, operational reliability and hygiene across multiple environments.Under floor cleaning, Kärcher offers solutions such as FloorPro Deep Cleaner RM 751, FloorPro Shine Cleaner RM 755, FloorPro Fine Stoneware Cleaner RM 753, FloorPro Crystallising Agent RM 749 and High Gloss Crystallising Powder RM 775. These products ..