“We expect it to move much faster”: Indian high commissioner predicts trade deal within a year

February 20, 2026

RED FM News Desk

India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has said in an interview that a historic trade agreement between the two nations could be finalized within the next 12 months. Speaking in a recent interview, Patnaik suggested that the shifting geopolitical landscape has created a sense of urgency for both countries to strengthen their economic and technical cooperation.

The envoy’s remarks come as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for an upcoming official visit to New Delhi and Mumbai, where he is expected to meet with top government leaders and business executives. While trade discussions have stalled several times since they first began in 2010, Patnaik emphasized that a one-year timeline for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is “not impossible,” given the current mutual enthusiasm from both leaderships.

For nearly 16 years, negotiations have faced hurdles as India sought to protect its small businesses from foreign competition and Canada moved to shield politically sensitive sectors like dairy. However, the focus has now shifted toward high-growth areas. Following a meeting last November, Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to pursue an ambitious framework that would cover investment, agriculture, and digital trade, as well as nearly all goods and services.

The push for a renewed partnership marks a significant turnaround following the diplomatic strain caused by the 2023 killing of a Sikh activist in Surrey, B.C. Despite past allegations that tested bilateral ties, both nations are now prioritizing economic resilience. “The way we look at the world has changed,” Patnaik stated, noting that both prime ministers are keen to resolve old issues and capitalize on new opportunities.

Prime Minister Carney’s trip is seen as a pivotal step in diversifying Canada’s global trade alliances. If successful, the deal aims to double bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030, leveraging Canada’s natural resources and India’s massive, growing consumer market.