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The talks between India and Canada on a free trade agreement were paused due to the political differences and as soon as they are sorted out to New Delhi’s satisfaction the negotiations would resume, a senior official said Friday.
“There were certain political developments in Canada on which India has raised its objections. India has shown a strong resentment against certain political developments in Canada and therefore for the time being till these political issues are settled, we have paused the negotiations,” the official who did not wish to be identified said.
“But the moment these political issues are sorted out, the talks will resume. So it is only a pause,” he added.
The first information on both countries pausing negotiations came on September 2 and at that time no reason was given.
Trade aside, political relations between India and Canada have taken a downturn in the past few months due to activities of some of the extremists of Indian origin against India’s interests. There have been attacks on Indian consulates and posters appeared in Canada with pictures of Indian diplomats while making several allegations against them.
Canada on its part alleges Indian interference in its internal affairs
The issue also was raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his meeting with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G-20 summit here last week. In his post meeting press conference Trudeau had
“Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us.. at the same time we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred”.
The negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Canada were started in 2010 but could not make much progress.
The negotiations were relaunched in March 2022. While discussions on the comprehensive trade agreement were on, both sides were also discussing an interim agreement with a limited scope which they named as – Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA).
So far nine rounds of negotiations have been held between the two countries with the last round of engagement happening in the last week of July in virtual format.
India is seeking greater access to its traditional products and liberal visa norms for its professionals. Canada wants greater opening for its agriculture products and automobile sector in the Indian market. Apart from the trade agreement India and Canada were also discussing an investment agreement – Foreign Investment Promotion Agreement.
Bilateral trade between India and Canada stood at $8.1 billion in the last financial year with exports at $4.50 billion and imports at $ 4.05 billion.
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