The fifth round of talks, scheduled for Monday in Ottawa, follows a meeting in Mumbai where Sidhu and Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reviewed progress.
Canada is the largest foreign investor in India with over $100 billion, a figure the minister cited to underscore the economic weight behind the talks.
Sidhu spotlighted LNG Canada Phase 2 and critical‑minerals supply chains as core pillars, noting that India will need 70% more energy by 2035 and Canada can supply the requisite LNG.
Prime Ministers Trudeau and Modi have held high‑level dialogues expressing support, signalling that the agreement fits within broader strategic cooperation.
Negotiations are projected to wrap up by December 2026, with a signing ceremony likely in January 2027, after which the new trade framework will be implemented.
For an Indian entrepreneur in Bengaluru, the deal could mean new access to Canadian technology and investment in local manufacturing hubs.