Veteran Journalist Demands 'Trade Without Tariffs' for India-Canada CEPA

Veteran Canadian journalist Terry Milewski has strongly advocated for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Canada.

In a recent interview with ANI, Milewski stated that the key outcome of a possible visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to India should be a free trade agreement that sets a global example. He emphasized the need for "trade without tariffs," questioning why any duties should exist at all.

Geopolitical Context and Unresolved Disputes

Milewski cautioned against viewing the recent thaw in diplomatic relations as a full resolution of disputes. He described the supposed rapprochement as an "illusion" that is merely convenient for both governments. The core dispute remains unsettled, stemming from the 2023 downturn in ties.

The diplomatic chill began after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has consistently denied these allegations, calling them "preposterous, absurd."

Milewski noted that both governments have chosen to let the undecided dispute linger in the background. The focus has pragmatically shifted toward economic cooperation.

The Push for a $50 Billion Trade Goal

The call for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement comes as both nations seek to deepen economic ties. Following a meeting at the G20 Leaders' Summit in South Africa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to formally launch CEPA negotiations. The ambitious goal is to double bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030.

• Current Trade: Bilateral trade stood at $8.6 billion in Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), showing a 3.2% growth despite tensions.
• Trade Diversification: Prime Minister Carney's administration is focused on doubling Canada's non-US exports over the next decade. This strategy is driven by high tariffs imposed by the United States on both Canadian and Indian exports.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney accepted an invitation to visit India in early 2026. Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik stated the visit is expected after India's Union Budget on February 1, 2026, signaling that "trust is back in the system".

Aviation's Lingering Scars: Air India Flight 182

The veteran journalist linked the potential visit to a major historical aviation tragedy. Milewski stated that Carney's visit should not occur unless India builds a memorial to the victims of Air India Flight 182.

• The Tragedy: On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182, a Boeing 747-237B known as Kanishka, was destroyed by a bomb planted by Khalistani terrorists. All 329 people aboard were killed.
• Memorials: Canada currently has four memorials to the victims, and one exists in Ireland. Milewski noted the absence of a national memorial in India, despite the country's strong stance against the terrorism that caused the disaster.

This demand highlights the deep societal wounds tied to the geopolitical issues. The tragedy remains the single worst act of terrorism in Canadian history.

The Importance of People-to-People Ties

Beyond trade, Milewski stressed the importance of improving people-to-people exchanges. He described the intermingling of Canadians and Indians as "enormously fruitful." He hopes for a vast improvement in the quality and style of these exchanges, which he feels have become "mired in a completely wrong dynamic of crime."

Both nations are navigating a shifting global environment marked by strategic competition. The renewed focus on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and consular staffing aims to strengthen the foundational ties between the two countries.

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