Hemant Shah to Lead India–Canada Trade Push as CEPA Talks Gain Momentum

Regular exchanges of visits, including trade missions, have raised expectations that ongoing discussions will translate into concrete outcomes to strengthen bilateral trade between India and Canada.

Sources indicate that progress has been steady and encouraging since the resumption of talks between the two countries. This renewed engagement follows high-level interactions, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India for the Canada-India Growth and Investment Forum in Mumbai, signaling a commitment to rebuilding and expanding economic ties.

As of March 2026, both countries have renewed their economic partnership, with the aim of finalizing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of the year to boost bilateral trade. The initiative focuses on increasing investments in energy, critical minerals, and technology, with a target of expanding trade to CAD 70 billion, approximately INR 4.65 lakh crore, by 2030.

According to the March 2026 joint statement, key pillars of the initiative include launching formal negotiations to establish a durable economic framework for trade, with the goal of concluding an agreement by the end of 2026.

Other priority areas include long-term liquefied petroleum gas supply arrangements and investments in critical minerals, supported by a major uranium supply agreement with Cameco. 

The initiative also emphasizes support for private sector participation, including pension fund investments in infrastructure and renewable energy. Efforts are underway to strengthen financial connectivity through collaboration between the National Payments Corporation of India and Payments Canada on instant payments and cross-border remittances. In addition, a Joint Work Plan under the India-Canada Energy Dialogue seeks to explore long-term contracts and address trade logistics.

Building on this momentum, the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce has announced the formation of a dedicated India Trade Development Committee, chaired by veteran business leader Hemant Shah. The committee aims to complement government-led efforts and further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

The chamber, along with its chapters across Canada, has established this committee to support trade development initiatives and deepen commercial engagement between India and Canada.

With more than five decades of involvement in Manitoba–India trade, Shah brings extensive experience across sectors such as agricultural exports, mining equipment, aviation, machinery, and pilot training. A frequent visitor to India and the broader region, he is widely known as “Mr India” in Winnipeg.

A seasoned and community-focused business leader, Shah has played a key role in promoting international trade and expanding export opportunities across India and the subcontinent. His contributions have been recognized through multiple awards from business organizations and government bodies.

At the chamber, Shah and his team are expected to work closely with government stakeholders and the private sector to further enhance bilateral trade and investment opportunities between India and Canada.

Related posts:

OFIC Urges Canada to Fast-Track CEPA Talks as British Columbia Trade Mission Arrives in India Canadian Hindu Chamber’s Second Trade Mission to India Aims to Boost Bilateral Business Momentum CHCC India Mission Gains Momentum as BC Premier Prepares Trade Visit to Strengthen Canada–India Economic Ties  Hemant M. Shah Says Canada–India Relations Enter a “Renewed Era of Purpose and Respect”