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Modi’s mid‑December visits to Canada, US and EU for trade deals

13 Nov 2026•3 min read

By the PH Logistics India trade desk · How we write these

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Canada, the United States and the European Union in mid‑December. The Canada trip (Dec 11‑12) aims to announce the India‑Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the US visit coincides with the G20 summit, and the Brussels stop will host the formal signing of the India‑EU free‑trade agreement.

Key facts

  • Canada visit Dec 11‑12 with likely CEPA announcement
  • US visit Dec 14‑15 for the G20 Leaders’ Summit
  • EU‑India FTA signing scheduled in Brussels in mid‑December
  • India‑EU merchandise trade was $136.54 bn in FY 2024‑25 with a goal to double by 2032
  • Six negotiation rounds with Canada have been held since March 2026

Background to the upcoming trade talks

India is pursuing diversification of its trade partners and has been negotiating comprehensive agreements with major economies. The India‑Canada CEPA, launched with a Terms of Reference in March 2026, covers 16 policy areas including market access, rules of origin and customs facilitation.

The India‑EU free‑trade agreement, described by officials as the "mother of all trade deals," completed its negotiation phase on Jan 27 2026. It is expected to boost bilateral merchandise trade, which stood at $136.54 bn in FY 2024‑25, and aims to double that volume by 2032.

Bilateral talks with the United States are also underway, and the pending US‑India trade pact is likely to be raised during the G20 summit in New York on Dec 14‑15.

What this means for exporters and importers in Punjab

Exporters of hand tools, textiles, agricultural products and machinery from Punjab could see lower tariffs and simpler rules of origin once the Canada‑India CEPA is announced and later signed, making Canadian markets more accessible.

The signing of the India‑EU FTA will likely reduce duties and streamline customs procedures for engineering, pharma and automotive components shipped from Punjab to European ports, enhancing competitiveness.

Discussions with the United States at the G20 may eventually lead to tariff concessions or customs‑facilitation measures that would benefit North Indian manufacturers of auto parts, furniture and high‑value air cargo targeting the US market.

Jalandhar – major hand‑tool exporters could benefit from reduced Canadian tariffs under the CEPA.

Amritsar – key textile exporter stands to gain from improved market access to Canada and the EU.

Chandigarh & Mohali – engineering and pharma firms may see eased customs procedures with the EU FTA.

Mandi Gobindgarh – machinery and steel producers could profit from simplified rules of origin for both Canada and the EU.

Batala – foundries and agri‑machinery makers may enjoy lower duties and smoother documentation under the new agreements.

What to watch

  • Potential Canada‑India CEPA announcement during Dec 11‑12 2026
  • EU‑India free‑trade agreement signing in Brussels (mid‑December 2026)
  • US‑India trade discussions at the G20 summit on Dec 14‑15 2026

What you can do now

  • Review your product HS codes against the draft rules of origin in the Canada‑CEPA and EU‑India FTA to confirm eligibility.
  • Prepare certificates of origin and related documentation now so they can be submitted promptly if the agreements are signed.
  • Discuss likely tariff reductions and customs‑facilitation measures with your customs broker to adjust pricing and cost structures.
  • Align production and inventory plans to meet anticipated demand from Canadian, US and EU buyers once the agreements become operational.

Further reading