India and Canada Restart Trade Talks Amid Thawing Relations
India and Canada have taken steps to mend strained diplomatic relations, with trade negotiations resuming after a two-year hiatus. Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney met during the G20 summit in South Africa, agreeing to pursue a "high-ambition" Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The deal aims to expand bilateral trade to $70 billion by 2030, up from last year's $22 billion.
Canada seeks greater access to India's rapidly growing economy, while India looks to strengthen ties with a G7 nation. Technical discussions will precede Carney's scheduled visit to India early next year—a symbolic gesture underscoring renewed cooperation.
The diplomatic thaw follows a 2023 rift over Canada's allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Though both nations expelled diplomats during the standoff, recent efforts have focused on restoring economic momentum. No cryptocurrency or digital asset implications were identified in the current framework.
