Canada advances trade talks with India, ASEAN and Philippines

Canada is pressing ahead with separate trade negotiations involving India, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Philippines during ministerial meetings in Mumbai and Manila.

International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is scheduled to meet Indian government and business representatives in Mumbai on September 18 and 19. Global Affairs Canada said the visit is intended to advance talks toward a Canada–India comprehensive economic partnership agreement.

Sidhu is then due in Manila for the ASEAN Economic Ministers–Canada Consultation on September 21 and 22. The agenda includes negotiations toward an ASEAN–Canada free trade agreement and a separate Canada–Philippines agreement.

Three rounds of Canada–India talks have been completed, with a fourth under way this week. Canada and India have stated a goal of concluding negotiations by the end of 2026, but no final agreement has been reached.

Two-way Canada–India trade in goods and services totalled $30.4 billion in 2025. Canada–ASEAN merchandise trade reached $52.5 billion, while merchandise trade with the Philippines totalled $3.4 billion.

Source: Global Affairs Canada (September 17, 2026).

Illustrative photo: Haris Illahi / Unsplash License. Cropped and resized.