Carney made the remarks at a news conference in New York, saying the two governments have committed to conclude the talks by the G20 summit scheduled for December 14‑15 at Trump National Doral in Miami.
He added that, to his understanding, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed a visit to Canada around the same period, although a precise date has not yet been set.
The bilateral negotiations, formally launched in March, are slated to be finished by the end of 2026. Carney said the deal is part of a broader strategy to double Canada’s non‑U.S. trade over the next decade and to reduce reliance on the United States as relations strain under President Donald Trump.
The push for closer economic ties follows a diplomatic rupture after the 2023 killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, which former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described as involving credible allegations against Indian government agents. Carney’s visit to India earlier this year was the first bilateral trip by a Canadian prime minister since 2018, signaling an effort to rebuild the relationship.
In parallel, Carney has pursued other trade initiatives, including courting associate membership with the European Union and striking a deal with China that lowers tariffs on a limited number of Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for reduced Canadian canola duties.