Washington, Feb 14 (NationPress) India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has remarked that the bilateral relationship is exceptionally strong and is definitely back on track. He expressed optimism that discussions regarding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) might commence shortly and reach a swift conclusion.

“The current state of relations is remarkably positive. Given our previous two years, we couldn't have wished for anything better,” Patnaik stated in an interview with the Financial Post, highlighting that the momentum has increased following the meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Kananaskis during the G7 summit.

He noted the appointment of High Commissioners and a surge of visits from ministers, including those in foreign affairs, trade, and energy, alongside parliamentary and sectoral delegations.

“There has been a series of meetings, all aimed at compensating for any time lost previously,” he said, mentioning that discussions have spanned topics such as national security, law enforcement, mining, energy, education, and artificial intelligence.

Patnaik characterized the relationship as not only back on track but also progressing strongly, with an anticipated high-level Canadian visit aimed at solidifying this partnership.

Regarding CEPA, he remarked, “The agreement should be straightforward,” recalling that both prime ministers agreed to initiate negotiations at the G20 in Johannesburg. The Canadian side has issued a 90-day notice to Parliament, and “the negotiations should kick off by the end of February or early March.”

Patnaik emphasized that economic realities have significantly changed since the last free trade discussions. “Today, we rank as the 4th largest economy globally, soon to be the 3rd,” he noted, highlighting India's evolved global standing.

He mentioned India’s recent trade agreements with EFTA, the EU, the US, the UK, Australia, and the UAE, stating, “We have progressed on many fronts that we previously held onto.”

According to him, many factors are already in place, considering Canada’s trade interactions with the EU and various Asian partners. “Essentially, many of the necessary conditions have already been met,” he noted.

When addressing concerns about differing values, Patnaik was clear. “Both of us are democracies, with rule of law, freedom of the press, and market economies,” he stated. He added that the two nations “share interests that align closely” and collaborate across multilateral platforms, including the UN, G7, and G20.

“The key aspect of a comprehensive economic partnership is to simplify our dealings across all sectors,” he outlined, highlighting lower tariffs, reduced non-tariff barriers, improved logistics, and enhanced collaboration in investment, research, AI, mining, energy, defense, and aerospace.

“This is the essence of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. It’s akin to a marriage where we eliminate the problems and facilitate easier cooperation,” he explained.

He stressed that institutional connections—including parliamentary exchanges and civil society involvement—will enhance any trade agreement.

“Despite the hiccup of the last two years, our interpersonal relations remained intact. Trade increased. Financial institutions functioned well. Academic institutions thrived. Universities, students, research, and innovation continued unabated,” he remarked.

India and Canada have historically maintained robust educational, trade, and diaspora connections, with a substantial Indian-origin community in Canada and growing collaboration in energy, critical minerals, and technology. Despite recent tensions over security-related accusations that strained diplomatic ties, both nations have indicated their intent to stabilize and rejuvenate their partnership.