Canada to Host PM Modi in December as CEPA Negotiations Near Completion

Ottawa’s trade chief, Minister Maninder Sidhu, announced on Friday that Canada is preparing to welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a visit slated for December. The invitation comes as both governments work to finalize a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) before the close of the year.

Sidhu, speaking from Bengaluru, highlighted the growing momentum in Canada‑India relations and expressed confidence that the upcoming talks will pave the way for deeper commercial ties. A signed CEPA is expected to boost trade flows, create new market opportunities for businesses, and strengthen the diaspora’s role as a bridge between the two economies.

For the South‑Asian community in Canada, the high‑profile visit signals an opportunity for greater engagement with policymakers and potential expansion of services tailored to the growing Indo‑Canadian population. It also underscores Canada’s strategic interest in leveraging the Indian market’s size and dynamism.

The December visit will likely include meetings with Canadian officials, business forums, and cultural events, aligning with both countries’ agendas to deepen economic and people‑to‑people connections before the year‑end deadline.