Canada on September 1 said it had put on hold talks with India on a proposed trade treaty, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prepares to travel to New Delhi for the G20 Summit.
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The decision was confirmed by India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma. While speaking to the Canadian press, Sanjay Kumar Verma said Ottawa had sought a pause “within the last month” but had not explained why.
“Trade negotiations are long, complex processes. And we’ve paused to take stock of where we are,” said a government official told media persons.
Earlier, in May, the two nations said they aimed to seal an initial agreement to increase trade and expand investment while setting out a mechanism to deal with disputes.
“While in the Indo-Pacific region next week, the Prime Minister will reaffirm Canada’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and removing trade barriers to create good middle class jobs and make life more affordable for people on both sides of the Pacific. He will also work with his counterparts to strengthen ties between our peoples and drive climate action,” stated a release by the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office.