The India-Afghanistan Joint Working Group on Trade, Commerce and Investment discussed trade facilitation, customs cooperation, connectivity, investment and sectoral cooperation during a virtual meeting on September 1.

 India and Afghanistan reviewed measures to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation during a virtual meeting of the India-Afghanistan Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade, Commerce and Investment on September 1, 2026.

Officials from both countries participated in the meeting, including representatives from commerce, industry, customs, regulatory authorities and diplomatic missions.

The two sides reviewed various issues related to bilateral trade and economic cooperation and discussed ways to make trade more convenient while strengthening commercial ties between the two countries.

Trade facilitation, customs cooperation discussed

The discussions covered a broad range of areas, including trade facilitation and customs cooperation, visa facilitation for Afghan traders, banking and financial cooperation, pharmaceutical and agricultural trade, energy cooperation, investment and trade promotion.

The sides also discussed tariff concessions, cargo connectivity and port-related issues as part of efforts to improve the overall trading environment.

Both countries agreed on further action in identified areas to strengthen institutional cooperation. This includes enhancing customs and data-sharing cooperation, promoting regulatory collaboration in pharmaceuticals and agriculture, improving trade connectivity, and encouraging investment and greater business-to-business engagement.

Focus on stronger commercial links

The meeting provided a platform for officials from both sides to address practical issues affecting trade and economic engagement.

India and Afghanistan also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral trade, commerce and investment relations and agreed to maintain continued dialogue on key issues.

The meeting concluded in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The discussions reflect a focus on improving trade processes, connectivity and institutional coordination while creating greater opportunities for commercial and investment engagement between the two countries.

India and Canada have completed the third round of negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signalling renewed momentum in efforts to conclude a long-pending trade pact by the end of 2026. The five-day discussions, held in Ottawa from July 6 to July 10, focused on expanding bilateral economic cooperation and advancing an ambitious target of doubling two-way trade to $50 billion by 2030.

The latest round marks a significant step in rebuilding economic ties after two previous attempts to negotiate the agreement failed over the past decade, with the most recent collapse triggered by diplomatic tensions in 2023.

Third Attempt at a Trade Pact

India and Canada first launched CEPA negotiations in 2010, but years of discussions failed to produce an agreement. Talks were revived in 2022 before stalling again following a deterioration in diplomatic relations linked to allegations surrounding the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

Relations began improving after Mark Carney assumed office as Canada's Prime Minister in 2025. The renewed political engagement culminated in both governments formally restarting CEPA negotiations in March 2026 after finalising the Terms of Reference for the proposed agreement.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Canada's International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu exchanged the negotiation framework in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Mark Carney, setting the roadmap for future discussions.

Wide Range of Issues on the Table

Officials said the latest negotiations covered several core chapters of the proposed agreement, including trade in goods and services, intellectual property rights, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, and technical barriers to trade.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to concluding a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement that would deepen market access and strengthen long-term commercial cooperation.

Trade Target Remains Ambitious

India and Canada have set a goal of raising bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030, more than doubling the current level.

Overall bilateral trade, including goods and services, stood at approximately $23.66 billion in 2024. However, merchandise trade remains relatively modest. During 2025-26, two-way goods trade declined by 8.22% to $7.95 billion from $8.66 billion in the previous financial year.

India's exports to Canada increased to $4.67 billion, while imports from Canada declined to $3.28 billion, reflecting an improvement in India's trade balance.

Analysts note that achieving the $50 billion target will require deeper market integration, diversified supply chains and expanded investment flows rather than tariff reductions alone.

Mutual Economic Opportunities

For India, Canada offers a high-income consumer market with strong demand for pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, electronics, chemicals, textiles, seafood and gems and jewellery. Indian IT and business services companies are also expected to benefit from improved market access under the proposed agreement.

Canada, meanwhile, is seeking greater opportunities in India's fast-growing economy, particularly in agriculture, energy, minerals, fertilisers, natural resources and investment.

The investment relationship is already substantial, with Canadian foreign direct investment in India exceeding $4 billion, while Canadian portfolio investments in Indian financial markets have crossed $75 billion.

The presence of more than 425,000 Indian students and a large Indian-origin community in Canada is also viewed as an important foundation for expanding economic ties.

Economics Meets Geopolitics

The renewed CEPA negotiations come as both countries seek to diversify their global trade partnerships. India has accelerated negotiations and concluded several trade agreements in recent years, while Canada is looking to reduce its dependence on the United States by strengthening commercial engagement with fast-growing markets.

Despite the positive momentum, negotiators still face complex discussions on agriculture, investment protection, intellectual property rights and regulatory standards.

Observers believe the success of the agreement will ultimately depend on whether both governments can sustain political goodwill and translate diplomatic progress into tangible commercial outcomes.

If concluded as planned, CEPA could become a cornerstone of a broader India-Canada economic partnership and significantly reshape bilateral trade over the coming decade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday underlined the deepening ties between India and New Zealand, describing the relationship as one built on shared values, mutual trust and people-to-people connections, while addressing the Indian diaspora in Auckland during the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in four decades.

The visit marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations, with both nations elevating their engagement to a Strategic Partnership, signing multiple agreements and setting an ambitious target to double bilateral trade to around ₹35,000 crore by 2030.

Speaking before members of the Indian community, Modi blended personal memories with a broader vision for future cooperation, stressing that India's foreign policy values goodwill and public welfare over the size of any nation's population.

A Personal Story from Three Decades Ago

Recalling his first visit to New Zealand nearly 25 to 30 years ago, long before he assumed public office, Modi shared an emotional anecdote about a muffler gifted to him during that trip.

Holding up the same muffler while addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said he had preserved it for decades and continued to wear it, describing it as a symbol of the affection and warmth extended by the people of New Zealand.

He said such gestures reflected the strength of human relationships and demonstrated that India values the spirit of friendship above all else.

Strategic Partnership Enters New Phase

Earlier in the day, Modi held bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland.

The two leaders announced 18 major decisions and signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering sectors including defence, trade, education, agriculture, sports, science, technology, disaster management and maritime cooperation.

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and expanding economic engagement through the implementation of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

Focus on Trade, Technology and Innovation

Highlighting future opportunities, Modi said India and New Zealand should deepen collaboration in emerging sectors including space technology, digital innovation, renewable energy and sports.

Describing the present as "the era of collaboration," he said the two countries possess complementary strengths that can generate long-term economic growth and technological advancement.

The Prime Minister noted that New Zealand-based companies have already partnered with India's space programme and said cooperation in advanced technology reflects the shared aspirations of both nations.

He also called for stronger collaboration in sports, particularly rugby, saying India could benefit from New Zealand's expertise through coaches, trainers and technical specialists.

Praise for Indian Diaspora

Modi praised the Indian community in New Zealand for serving as a bridge between the two countries.

He said that although members of the diaspora live thousands of kilometres away from India, their emotional connection with their homeland remains intact.

According to the Prime Minister, the contributions of people of Indian origin have strengthened New Zealand's economy, society and cultural diversity while simultaneously reinforcing bilateral ties.

He added that New Zealand's leadership consistently acknowledges the positive role played by the Indian community in the country's development.

Learning from New Zealand

The Prime Minister also highlighted New Zealand's achievements in public welfare, women's empowerment and agricultural development, saying India continues to draw inspiration from the country's progress.

He noted that New Zealand was the first nation to grant women the right to vote and said India is also expanding opportunities for women across multiple sectors while pursuing balanced economic and social development.

Modi emphasised that India's growth story combines modern innovation with the preservation of its civilisational heritage, allowing the country to evolve while maintaining its cultural identity.

Strengthening Long-Term Bilateral Relations

The visit concluded with both countries expressing confidence that the newly announced Strategic Partnership will open fresh avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, education, security and people-to-people exchanges.

Modi assured members of the Indian diaspora that high-level engagement between the two nations would become more frequent, saying they would not have to wait another four decades for the next visit by an Indian Prime Minister.

The Auckland visit capped Modi's three-nation tour and reinforced India's growing engagement with partners across the Indo-Pacific region, signalling a renewed commitment to expanding strategic and economic cooperation with New Zealand.

A fresh debate has emerged around the proposed India-US interim trade agreement after trade experts cautioned that signing the deal may not fully protect Indian exports from future tariff actions by the United States. According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the administration of Donald Trump could still impose additional duties on Indian goods despite a trade pact. The concern stems from ongoing American investigations related to alleged forced-labour compliance issues and Washington's broader trade strategy toward partner nations. At the same time, economists have raised concerns over India's reported commitment to purchase up to $500 billion (approximately ₹47.5 lakh crore) worth of American goods over five years, arguing that such imports could widen trade imbalances and exert further pressure on the rupee. The developments come as both countries intensify negotiations aimed at concluding an interim trade agreement.

According to GTRI, recent actions by the US government indicate that trade agreements do not necessarily prevent future tariff measures. The think tank pointed to investigations initiated under Section 301 of US trade laws, which allow Washington to impose duties on countries accused of unfair trade practices or inadequate enforcement of labour standards.

Tariff Concerns Remain

Trade analysts note that the Trump administration has previously considered additional tariffs on countries that allegedly failed to prevent imports linked to forced labour. India has reportedly been among the nations examined under these investigations.

GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava argued that even if tariff rates are reduced through an interim trade arrangement, future investigations could still result in new duties. The organization estimates that proposed reciprocal tariffs could potentially decline from 25% to 18% under a bilateral trade arrangement, though uncertainty would remain.

Officials on both sides have not publicly commented on whether such provisions are being discussed in the ongoing negotiations.

Impact on Rupee

Economist Devinder Sharma has expressed concerns over the scale of proposed purchases from the United States. According to him, importing American products worth nearly ₹47.5 lakh crore over five years could increase demand for US dollars and place additional pressure on the Indian currency.

The rupee has already faced challenges in recent months due to foreign portfolio investor outflows, elevated global trade uncertainty and a rising import bill. Currency market analysts say sustained large-scale imports without corresponding export growth could widen the trade deficit and affect exchange rate stability.

However, supporters of the proposed deal argue that increased imports of energy products, defence equipment, aircraft and advanced technologies could strengthen strategic ties and support long-term economic growth.

What Washington Wants

Reports from recent negotiation rounds suggest the United States is seeking broader market access in sectors such as agriculture, energy, defence, digital services and advanced technologies. Washington is also believed to be encouraging closer economic cooperation and increased purchases of American goods.

In return, the US is expected to offer lower reciprocal tariffs and greater market certainty for selected Indian exports.

The latest round of discussions resumed in New Delhi on Tuesday, where Piyush Goyal met with Jamieson Greer during Greer's two-day visit to India.

In a notable pivot in Canada India relations, the Canadian government has announced it no longer links India to ongoing violent crimes in Canada. This reassessment comes just ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's upcoming visit to India, signaling a potential thaw after years of tension. The move, coupled with actions against Tahawwur Rana, raises questions about Ottawa's strategic outreach.

Diplomatic Crisis and Recent Shifts

Canada India relations hit rock bottom under former PM Justin Trudeau following allegations of Indian involvement in the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist. Canada's intelligence agency accused Indian officials of influencing communities and intimidating Sikh activists, leading to diplomat expulsions in 2024.

The tide turned after Carney's Liberal Party win in April 2025. High commissioners were reinstated, and officials now express confidence in halted activities. A senior official, speaking anonymously, noted robust engagements between national security advisers. "We're confident that activity is not continuing," they said during a briefing.

Foreign Minister Anita Anand emphasized that transnational repression concerns remain key in discussions during the Mark Carney visit. "That's always at the forefront," she told reporters.

Actions Against Tahawwur Rana

Adding symbolism, Canada initiated citizenship revocation for Tahawwur Rana, extradited from the US in 2025 for his role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Authorities cited fraudulent residency claims from 2001. Rana's alleged ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba and associate David Coleman Headley underscore counterterrorism scrutiny.

Experts view this as a goodwill gesture. Simulated perspective from international relations analyst Dr. Elena Vasquez: "Ottawa's move aligns with broader reconciliation efforts, showing commitment to justice while rebuilding trust in Canada India relations."

What's Driving Ottawa's Outreach?

Several factors fuel this reset:

- Economic Imperatives: With bilateral trade at USD 30.8 billion in 2024, Canada seeks diversification beyond the US. The Mark Carney visit aims to launch CEPA negotiations, targeting $70 billion by 2030.

- Geopolitical Strategy: India's G20 and Indo-Pacific role makes stable ties essential for Canada.

- Security Dialogue: India's High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik called the talks "unprecedented," stressing cooperation. He assured action if evidence emerges on Nijjar's killing.

However, the World Sikh Organisation disputes the claims, with president Danish Singh highlighting ongoing Sikh community fears.

Why This Matters Now

In today's volatile global landscape, this diplomatic reset in Canada India relations is timely. As Carney heads to Mumbai and New Delhi for talks with PM Modi on trade, AI, energy, and defense, it highlights pragmatism over past conflicts. For readers, it means watching for trade deals that could boost jobs and innovation.

While not fully resolved—past allegations linger—Carney's visit could cement progress. Practical takeaway: Businesses eyeing India should monitor CEPA updates for new opportunities. This evolution in Canada India relations underscores how mature democracies navigate security and economic priorities.