Ahead Of G-20 Summit…
PM Justin Trudeau requested a "pause" on trade talks with India, as the Canadian leader prepares to travel to New Delhi for the Group of 20 leaders' summit.
India's High Commissioner confirmed that Trudeau's team initiated the pause.
It was reported by the Canadian Press.
"The Canadian side has suggested a 'pause' to the ongoing fast-paced negotiations on an early-progress trade agreement with India," Sanjay Kumar Verma said in an emailed statement.
"Though I am not aware of the reason, most likely, the 'pause' will allow more consultations with the stakeholders."
Trade negotiations are long, complex processes and Canada has paused to take stock of the situation, a government official told reporters at a briefing about Trudeau's upcoming trip to India.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, didn't provide more details.
Narendra Modi and Justin Trudeau at the 2022 Group of Seven summit in Germany.
Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng's office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
In May, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited Ottawa.
Ng said they were supposed to sign the early-progress agreement, an initial deal that would focus on a few industries rather than an economy-wide accord.
"It is not going to be years," she said.
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