Canada-India Trade Deal Optimism Boosted at Regina Summit

Business and policy leaders gathered at the second Western Canada‑India Leaders Summit in Regina, hosted by the Canada‑India Business Council. Premier Scott Moe opened the event, highlighting the province’s long‑standing ties with India and referencing a recent $2.6 billion uranium supply agreement and the creation of a Canada‑India Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence.

Participants, including Canadian High Commissioner Christopher Cooter, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik, and Canada‑India Business Council CEO Victor Thomas, expressed confidence that a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will be concluded by the end of 2026. They noted the goal of doubling bilateral trade to $70 billion by 2030 and discussed lowering existing Indian tariffs on Canadian yellow peas (30 %) and lentils (10 %).

Moe said pulse tariffs remain on the negotiation table but are not a deal‑breaker, emphasizing the ongoing demand for Saskatchewan pulses in India. Security concerns raised after a 2023 accusation involving a Sikh activist were also mentioned as part of broader discussions.