India and Canada Launch Security Pact Talks, Aim to Finalise Trade Deal in 2026

India and Canada have strengthened the bilateral relations by agreeing to launch the negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) and accelerate efforts to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in the year 2026. This decisions were announced after meeting between the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, Evian in France.

Negotiations on General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA)

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the decision to begin the negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA).

A GSOIA is the important framework that enables the secure exchange, handling and protection of the classified information between governments.

Such agreements are often considered as the foundational instruments for the deeper defense and security cooperation.

This proposed agreement is expected to strengthen the trust and facilitate greater collaboration in areas such as defense technology, intelligence sharing, strategic planning and national security.

Progress Towards Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

India and Canada also reaffirmed their commitment to conclude the negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during the year 2026.

CEPA is the broad trade agreement that aims to enhance the market access, reduce trade barriers, increase investments and strengthen the economic cooperation between participating countries.

Both the leaders expressed the satisfaction with the progress achieved so far and they highlighted the importance of the expanding bilateral trade and investment flows.

The agreement is expected to creates the new opportunities for businesses, improve supply chain resilience and deepen the economic integration between the two economies.

Focus on Energy and Supply Chain Cooperation

Both the leaders have emphasized the growing importance of the resilient and diversified supply chains amid changing global economic conditions.

India and Canada discussed cooperation in critical sectors, including the,

• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
• Metallurgical Coal
• Critical Minerals
• Energy Security

Canada possesses the significant amount of the energy resources reserves and critical minerals, while India represents one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets.

Expanding Strategic Partnership

Beyond the trade and security, the two countries have reviewed the cooperation across several emerging sectors.

The leaders discussed strengthening collaboration in to the,

• Science and Technology
• Innovation and Start-up Ecosystems
• Education and Academic Exchanges
• Skilled Migration and Mobility
• Research Partnerships

These areas are increasingly becoming the important pillars of the India and Canada relationship which showcases the growing people-to-people and institutional connections between the two nations.

Support for the Canada’s Role in the Indian Ocean Region

During the discussions between the leaders, India expressed support for the Canada to becoming a Dialogue Partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

The Indian Ocean Rim Association is the regional organization that promotes the cooperation among countries bordering the Indian Ocean in areas such as maritime security, trade, fisheries, disaster management and sustainable development.

Canada’s participation as a Dialogue Partner would expand the its engagement with the Indo-Pacific region and will strengthen the cooperation with member countries.