Indo-Canada Relations

RPK

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Canada needs India more than India needs Canada, says newspaper

Canada needs India more than India needs Canada, says paper

TORONTO: A nuclear deal with India is a must to save Canada's nuclear industry, a respected Canadian daily said in Toronto ahead of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's visit to India next week.

Harper will visit Mumbai, New Delhi and Amritsar during his three-day trip from November 16 - the longest by him to any country so far.

In the opinion piece "Why Harper needs a nuclear deal with India'', the daily said that a nuclear accord on the lines of the Indo-US deal last year is needed to keep Canada's nuclear industry alive.

Even if the deal is not signed during the visit because of ongoing negotiations, the paper says it will be signed soon "for this simple reason: Canada needs India more than India needs Canada.''

The two countries have exchanged many drafts on the proposed deal.

Though Trade Minister Stockwell Day is keen to seal the deal, Canadian "striped pants set in (the ministry of) foreign affairs'' are opposed to it, the newspaper said, referring to opposition by Canadian bureaucrats. The bureaucrats accuse India of misappropriating Canadian nuclear-reactor technology supplied in the 1960s to develop its nuclear programme.

But over the past two years, both countries have been attempting to improve relations, which should be close, if only because more than a million Canadians are of Indian ancestry, with only China sending more immigrants here each year, the article said.

Despite the global slowdown, it said, India's economy will grow by 6 per cent this year.

"With growth comes hunger for energy. India's 17 nuclear reactors provide only 2.5 per cent of the country's electricity, but that figure is expected to double within a decade,'' the newspaper said.

"And there is the question of whether such an agreement would also include the sale of uranium to fuel Indian power plants. Australia, another major supplier of uranium, is resisting selling uranium to India unless it signs the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Agreement, which is unlikely, given that both India and its rival Pakistan are nuclear powers.''

Considering all these issues, the newspaper said, "the fact remains that Canada's hand is weak and India's strong.

"India and China are the two big markets for nuclear energy technology, with dozens of new reactors planned or under construction.'' If Canada wants to have any hope of keeping its nuclear energy industry alive, it must reach civilian nuclear agreements with both countries, the article opined.

"The world has come a long way from India as the jewel of the British Empire and the wars and incursions that left China prostrate at the hands of the great European and North American powers.

"It is those powers, struggling to shake off the nagging fear that they are in decline, that now knock on India and China's door, hat in hand, asking if they can please come in,'' the newspaper wrote.

Three Canadian prime ministers have visited India during the past six years. IK Gujral was the last Indian prime minister to visit Canada during his short tenure in 1997-98.

Canadian ministers have made 11 visits to India over the past two and a half years, including five this year alone to boost trade between the two countries which still languishes well below $5 billion.
 

RPK

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Canadian PM to visit India between Nov.15 to 18


Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, will arrive in India on a four-day official visit which is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

He is visiting India on the invitation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The discussions between Prime Minister Harper and his Indian counterpart Dr. Manmohan Singh will include a review of the bilateral agenda, and an exchange of views on regional and global issues of common interest, an MEA release said on Thursday.

Mrs. Laureen Harper, Foreign Minister, Mr. Lawrence Cannon, Minister of International Trade, Mr. Stockwell Day, and a Parliamentary delegation will accompany Prime Minister Harper during this official Indian visit (Nov.15 to 18).

During the visit, the President of India, Pratibha Patil, and the Vice President Hamid Ansari will receive Prime Minister Harper.

The Canadian PM will hold discussions with Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and meet with the External Affairs Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha during his visit.

Prime Minister Harper's discussions with the Prime Minister will include a review of the bilateral agenda, and an exchange of views on regional and global issues of common interest. India and Canada share a commonality of values including an abiding commitment to democracy, pluralism and rule of law. (ANI)
 

RPK

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Canadian PM lauds India's 'spectacular' success: Rediff.com Business

Ajit Jain, Managing Editor, Canada , who is traveling with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on his first-ever visit to India, reports on Harper's first day in Mumbai , where he addressed business honchos of India and Canada.

"As India takes its rightful place in the world, Canada stands beside you as a steadfast and faithful friend," Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada told a rapt audience of Indian and Canadian businessmen in the Trident Hotel in Mumbai on Monday.

He further added that he sincerely hoped that the two countries would sign 'the bilateral nuclear cooperation agreement soon to help India's growing need for clean sources of energy', adding that a foreign investment protection agreement also needs to be signed soon to give confidence to business people that their direct investment is safe.

Tracing Indo-Canada relationships, from the days of Nehru, Harper spoke on the potentials - in trade, investments, science and technology - that exist between the two countries. He also dwelt on their potentials on world stage, now, when an economic crisis is sweeping the globe and the scope of their contributions in G20 summit.

Thanked his own Minister for International Trade Stockwell Day, Harper told the audience that he (Stockwell) is one of the leading figures in 'our government's unprecedented effort to reinvigorate Canada-India relations.'

Referring to global giants like Infosys , Tata and Reliance , Harper said, "The South Asian tiger has awoken and the world is standing in awe." The audience reciprocated by giving him a standing ovation.

Lauding Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (who was then the finance minister of India in the P V Narasimha Rao government) for launching the economic reforms in the 1990s, Harper said India has achieved its success through 'good policy, perseverance and ingenuity'. Those reforms are now 'bearing fruit', he added.

Then in a humourous mood, Harper pointed out how in the 1970s, 'an ultra-modern, Indian-built satellite was (seen in photos) being transported on an ox-cart' which, looked so incongruous that the image became so famous.

"It symbolised India's unbridled ambition and its dogged determination to succeed," pointed out Harper.

Despite 'the worst global recession in half a century, Harper said, "India is getting the job done in all sectors of its economy whether it's building satellites, cutting poverty and illiteracy by half or posting staggering levels of economic growth."

There were a number of successful Indo-Canadian business people in the audience - business leaders like real estate developer from Calgary Bob Dhillon, Hotelier from Toronto Deepak Ruparrell, Kama Candy president and CEO Aditya Jha, and Indo-Canadian MPs.

Harper individually mentioned names of Federal Indo-Canadian MPs - Deepak Obhrai, Tim Uppal, Devinder Shory and Nina Grewal. He also identified Gurmant Grewal, husband of Nina Grewal, who was also an MP. He too forms part of the official Canadian delegation.

Canada and India also share tremendous economic strengths, said Harper. "We are both weathering the global recession better than most. And, in both cases, this is not by accident, as it is the result of sound fiscal policy, prudent regulation, and goal-oriented economic management."

It was to induce the Canadian business people to look to India for their future business ventures that the Canadian prime minister reminded them how 'India offers spectacular growth rates' and that the country has 'an increasingly liberal investment regime and impressive capabilities in the area of science and technology.'

He, however, conceded that even though the combined GDP of Canada and India 'is well on its way to $4 trillion,' trade between the two countries was merely $5 billion.

Earlier in the day, Harper met Bollywood heartthrob Akshay Kumar , who will be a torch bearer for 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

While remembering the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai, Harper recalled the Air India tragedy (Kanishka) of June 1985 in which 329 people were killed.

He also visited the Nariman House where Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, the directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Mumbai, were killed during one of the worst terrorist attacks to strike India in recent memory.

Harper rued that both Canada and India have been 'bloodied and have the scars of terrorism.'

Harper concluded by emphasising that this is the time for the two countries to take the "lead, lest they be left behind in the shallows."

And "so let us resolve to work together, to grow together and together seize the opportunities that will help us realise a brighter and even more prosperous future."
 

bengalraider

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Mr Harper has arrived in Delhi, saw him come in today.
 

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Nothing will move in INDO-Canada relations unless US says yes, everything is alright with INDO-US nuclear deal.

Then, all Indian purchases of Canadian Nuclear reactors will be India's behest. Canada has painted itself into a corner by harping too much on broken promises on a minor nuclear reactor supplied to India in fifties. Canada has still to explain why they abondoned in the middle a nuclear power plant under construction near Kota in Rajasthan. They just walked away. Loss amounted to $250 million and ten years delay for Indians to finish a part of it by themselves. Nobody has written a check for the losses in Canada. Canada cannot harp on misused nuclear technology which really was a research reactor for learning. Indian learnt and built their own bomb. India can keep reminding them, how about our losses.

Well neither India or Canada has to remind each other,of fifty years past history. Canada learnt the hard way during these unpleasant circumstances that taking your fights too far does not help. There is no restriction on brain power. Anybody can learn and do things what ever they want to do. Pierre Elliot Trudea went too far in seventies when he opened gates to the terrorists to come and set up shop in Canada. It resulted of blowing up of plane over Atlantic in which 329 Canadian citizens of Indian origin died. Canada could not successfully prosecute the perpetrators. They are all out and thumbing at Canada as well as India. One lesson which has been learnt by Canada is that there is no encouragement to terrorists in Canada.

Put this history behind you and get ready to do business. Neither Pierre Trudea is in control nor Indira Gandhi is in control. There are new breed of businessi minded leaders in control. Doing business is their mission.

So Canada, get ready. Business opportunities with India are all around. You have to take advantage of that. India will somehow find other business partners, why not Canada, hence:

Make an offer.
 

debasree

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Yeghh for those khalistanis only still the kanishka bombers roam free
 

sorcerer

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India-Canada Joint Statement: नया"‹ "‹à¤‰à¤¤à¥à¤¸à¤¾à¤¹"‹, "‹à¤¨à¤"‹ "‹à¤•à¤¦à¤®:New Vigour"‹, "‹New Steps".


April 15, 2015

Canadian Prime Minister the Right Honourable Stephen Harper hosted the Prime Minister of India the Honourable Narendra Modi who is undertaking an historic bilateral visit to Canada, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 42 years, including Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver on 14-16 April 2015. The visit comprises extensive engagement with Canada's political, business and academic leadership and robust interactions with the Indian diaspora. It included a call on the Governor General of Canada His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Harper met in Ottawa on 15 April 2015, and held detailed discussions to assess the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged perspectives on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest. They noted the historic significance of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Canada in advancing bilateral ties to a new level marked with "नयाउत्साह: नएकदम – New Vigour: New Steps".The two Prime Ministers agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

Bilateral Relations

Prime Minister Modi commended Prime Minister Harper for his leadership in renewing the momentum of the bilateral relationship through his visits to India in 2009 and 2012. This momentum was maintained by the Governor General of Canada's state visit to India in 2014. The two leaders welcomed the continuing diversification, growth and deepening of bilateral relations in recent years, rooted in shared values of democracy, pluralism, tolerance, human rights and rule of law, and based on expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. They also agreed to hold regular discussions including on the margins of international meetings.

The leaders agreed to take concrete measures to expand bilateral cooperation in key areas including the economy, trade and investment, civil nuclear cooperation, energy, education and skills development, agriculture, defence and security, science, technology, innovation and space, culture, people-to-people ties, and regional and global issues.

Economy, Trade and Investment

The Prime Ministers recognised that bilateral business and commercial linkages constitute key drivers of the wide ranging India-Canada partnership. In this regard, Prime Minister Harper commended Prime Minister Modi for his forward-looking vision of energising the Indian economy and welcomed the policy measures and specific initiatives taken to improve the ease of doing business in India. They also appreciated the role played by the bilateral business community in both countries in promoting commercial partnerships between India and Canada.

In this context, the Prime Ministers noted that specific initiatives launched by Prime Minister Modi such as 'Make in India', 'Affordable Housing for all by 2022' and 'Smart Cities' offered significant collaborative commercial opportunities for Indian and Canadian businesses and industry. They also noted that Canada's prioritisation of India in its Global Markets Action Plan aligned well with bilateral objectives.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the need to elevate two-way trade and investment linkages to their full potential. They agreed to pursue specific measures to diversify and deepen bilateral trade and investment cooperation to increase the two way flow of goods and services.


They recognised that early finalisation of the Bilateral Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement is an important step in realising the shared objective of enhanced trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. They welcomed the progress made in the recent bilateral discussions between treaty negotiators and agreed to intensify discussions to finalise the outstanding issues.

They also welcomed the agreement on a road map to expeditiously conclude a progressive, balanced, and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement as a basis for significantly expanding two-way trade and investment and directed the negotiators to prioritise its finalisation.

Noting the important role of movement of professionals in boosting bilateral trade, investment and people-to-people ties, the Prime Ministers agreed that both sides will hold a dialogue in this field to facilitate greater bilateral cooperation.

Recognising Canadian commercial engagement, the Prime Ministers expressed support for bilateral partnerships for urban transformation and smart city development which would leverage Canadian expertise in a number of relevant fields including, public private partnerships, intelligent transportation systems, civil engineering and urban planning, water and wastewater management, pre-cast and wood construction, energy technology and efficiency and affordable housing.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in RailTransportation between India's Ministry of Railways and Transport Canada, dealing with technical cooperation. The leaders also welcomed the finalisation of an MoU on Civil Aviation between Transport Canada and India's Ministry of Civil Aviation, which will establish a Joint Working Group to bring together key industry and Government stakeholders to advance opportunities for cooperation in civil aviation.

The Prime Ministers took positive note of the useful discussions in the Economic and Financial Sector Policy Dialogue held on 13 February 2015 in New Delhi. The two sides agreed to establish a Finance Ministers Dialogue for the purpose of deepening the India-Canada economic and financial relationship.

Civil-Nuclear Cooperation

The Prime Ministers underscored the considerable potential for mutually-beneficial civil nuclear cooperation. They welcomed the signing of an Agreement between the Department of Atomic Energy of the Government of India and Cameco of Canada for long-term supply of uranium to India to meet its energy needs. They recognised that the agreement would impart a new significance to India-Canada Civil Nuclear Cooperation.

The Prime Ministers agreed to encourage a collaborative programme to leverage their industries' respective strengths in the field of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor technology for mutual benefit, as well as for the benefit of global nuclear energy needs.

They also encouraged closer cooperation in civil nuclear energy between their companies and welcomed the setting up of the India Nuclear Insurance Pool with potential participation of foreign companies as a positive step towards facilitating such cooperation.

They noted the planned Canadian civil nuclear trade mission to India in October 2015. They also agreed to explore mutually beneficial partnerships in the application of radio-isotopes for societal benefits.

The Prime Ministers, recognising the importance of taking the collaboration in nuclear science and technology to the next level, encouraged their respective atomic energy establishments and research institutions to establish mechanisms for long-term and mutually beneficial R&D collaboration in peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The Prime Ministers agreed to exchange experiences and developments on safety and regulatory issues. To take this forward, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission have finalised an arrangement for regulatory cooperation in the field of nuclear and radiation safety regulation

Energy

The Prime Ministers noted the significant opportunities available to expand bilateral trade and investment in energy and resources as well as related technologies and services. They welcomed efforts underway to deepen cooperation on energy through the Canada-India Ministerial Energy Dialogue and other mechanisms, and agreed toencourage enhanced commercial cooperation between companies in the energy sector. While recognising the significant scope and wide ranging potential for cooperation in this field between governments and the private sector, the Prime Ministers agreed to further collaboration in areas such as energy efficiency and innovation, oil and gas development, exchange of regulatory best practices, renewable energy, and nuclear energy.

The Prime Ministers noted the strong complementarities between Canada, a responsible resource producer with the potential to become an energy exporter to new markets such as India, and India, which is looking to Canada to enhance its energy security by diversifying its sources of supply.
To advance cooperation in this important sector, the Prime Ministers welcomed the convening of the next Ministerial meeting of the India-Canada Energy Dialogue by the end of 2015.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the decision by Indian Oil Corporation to invest in a proposed new liquefied natural gas project in British Columbia.

Education and Skills Development

The Prime Ministers identified education as one of the key areas of priority for bilateral engagement and agreed to focus on greater student, faculty and people-to-people exchanges. They affirmed that cooperation in education should focus on building the quality of human resources in both countries. They noted that India is a priority country under Canada's International Education Strategy

In this context, the Prime Ministers welcomed Canada's partnership in the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) of India to enable Canadian researchers to cooperate in learning, research and teaching in select Indian educational institutions.
They also welcomed the first co-funded student exchange programme through the Ministry of Human Resource Development's Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme and Canada's Mitacs Globalink Program.

The Prime Ministers noted the socio-economic opportunities inherent in India's ambitious goals of skillsdevelopment. In this regard, they welcomed the 13 MoUs between the National Skill Development Council of India and 13 Canadian colleges, institutes, and Sector Skills Councils in the fields of agriculture, apparel and textiles, automotive, aviation, construction, green economy, healthcare, hydrocarbons, IT, telecom and electronics, sports sector, and water.

The two leaders agreed to renew the Canada-India MoU on Higher Education on a rolling basis.

Agriculture

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance of intensifying and facilitating bilateral collaboration in the area of agriculture and agrifood, including continued collaboration in fertilisers, as well as in the fields of cold chain management, animal development, dryland farming, food processing technologies and agricultural sustainability.They noted interest from both countries to hold discussions to negotiate a bilateral organic equivalency arrangement. They welcomed the setting-up of the Plant Health Technical Working Group, as a sub group of the MoU on agriculture cooperation to promote trade in plants, plant products and other regulated articles by facilitating science-based discussions related to sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues.

Defence and Security

The Prime Ministers agreed that terrorism, extremism and radicalisation present security challenges to the peace, stability and prosperity of the two countries and humanity as a whole. They reaffirmed their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called for further efforts to eliminate terrorist safe havens and infrastructure; dismantle terrorist networks, their support systems and financing; and stem the cross-border movement of terrorists.

The Prime Ministers affirmed the need to expand and deepen their continuing cooperation in countering terrorism, radicalisation and violent extremism through joint efforts, and greater cooperation between their relevant government departments, including in the areas of extradition and mutual legal assistance, joint research, countering narcotics and Improvised Explosive Devices. In this regard, they welcomed the recent meeting between the Indian and Canadian National Security Advisers and the Plan of Action agreed during the 13th meeting of the India-Canada Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism held in New Delhi on 19 March 2015. The two Prime Ministers took positive note of the productive dialogue on security issues held under the leadership of their respective Deputy National Security Advisors and looked forward to the outcomes of the next round of the Dialogue.

The Prime Ministers agreed to intensify bilateral engagement and exchange perspectives on emerging threats to national security, including in the cyber domain. In this context, they welcomed the signing of the MoU between the Indian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness of Canada on Cooperation in the Area of Cyber Security.Recognising the importance of a free, open and secure internet they welcomed the commitment to a broader framework for future dialogue on cyber issues.

The Prime Ministers recognised defence cooperation as an important element of the overall bilateral security cooperation. To this end, they agreed to explore cooperative possibilities in diverse fields including cold climate warfare, peacekeeping, and participation in respective Defence Staff College training. They also agreed to explore further cooperation in enhancing naval linkages, and staff exchanges.

They also welcomed the signing of the Statement of Intent between Defence Research and Development Organisation of India and Defence Research and Development Canada, aimed at exploring potential cooperative initiatives in defence and security science and technology.

Science, Technology, Innovation, and Space

The Prime Ministers appreciated the ongoing bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation and its role in improving the lives of their citizens. They noted several successful Indo-Canadian research and development projects and their benefits to the larger society. They took particular note of the partnership between the India-Canada Centre for Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Accelerate Community Transformation and Sustainability (IC-IMPACTS) and the National Mission for Clean Ganga to find innovative technological solutions to clean the river Ganga; the 'Water for Health' collaboration between Indian's Department of Biotechnology and IC-IMPACTS; and the 'Safe and Sustainable Infrastructure' and 'Integrated Water-Management' initiatives with the Indian Department of Science and Technology. The Leaders agreed to support further joint projects on Safe and Sustainable Infrastructure and Integrated Water Management and public health.

In order to facilitate enhanced cooperation in all these areas, the two leaders welcomed the convening of the biennial meeting of the 5th Canada-India Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee in June 2015 and urged the Committee to explore new mechanisms to further augment bilateral engagement in science, technology and innovation. The Prime Ministers re-affirmed their commitment to joint industrial research and development projects through the International Science and Technology Partnership Program, and endorsed the annual contribution of CAD $1 million by both countries. They also welcomed the inclusion of Canadian and Indian startups in the Canadian Technology Accelerator initiative. Canada welcomed India's offer to be a Partner Country in the 2017 Technology Summit to be hosted by India.

The Prime Ministers recognised the importance of improving maternal, newborn and child health, which is a development priority for both countries, and welcomed an investment of CAD $2.5 million in five health innovations in India by Grand Challenges Canada and its Indian partner - the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology. India and Canada have also agreed to accelerate ongoing efforts towards the elimination of Visceral Leishmaniasis in India by jointly supporting an existing Grand Challenges Canada project.

Recognising India's satellite launch capabilities and Canada's expertise in satellites and astronomy, thePrime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the rapid expansion and intensification of India-Canada space cooperation,including the launch of Canadian satellites.They welcomed the renewal of the MoU on Space Cooperation between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Canadian Space Agency.

With a shared interest in promoting collaborative research in frontier areas of science, the two Prime Ministers welcomed the proposed collaboration between the the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) of India, and the Stem Cell Network of Canada in stem cell research, including possible research student exchanges.

In the interest of public health and recognising the need to strengthen bilateral engagement and exchange information in the areas of safety, efficacy, and quality of therapeutic products, including cellular therapy products, as well as on traditional medicines, the Prime Ministers agreed to establish a dialogue between relevant federal departments of the two countries in order to facilitate cooperation.

Culture and People-to-People Ties

The two Prime Ministers recognised the central and dynamic role of people to people ties in the Canada-India partnership, noting and appreciating in particular the growing community of more than one million Canadians of Indian origin and their contributions to both societies. Both leaders emphasised the need to further invigorate bilateral people-to-people contacts. In this regard they welcomed progress towards the renewal of an MoU on Cultural Cooperation between Canada and India, and Canada's proposal to hold the Year of Canada in India in 2017.

The leaders looked forward to the entry into force of the Canada-India Social Security Agreement on August 1, 2015.

Highlighting the important role of increasing connectivity to grow commercial and people-to-people links, the Prime Ministers welcomed the resumption of non-stop air links between Canada and India, commencing November 2015.

Recognising the importance of bilateral parliamentary exchanges, the Prime Ministers agreed to encourage further reciprocal visits by parliamentary delegations.

Regional and Global Issues

The Prime Ministers assessed the emerging regional and global strategic landscape, including in particular, the evolution of terrorist threats globally, the conflicts in Syria and Iraq and the implications for regional stability, and supporting reconciliation and economic recovery in Afghanistan.

Recalling their initial meeting at the G20 Summit in Brisbane in 2014, the Prime Ministers affirmed the ongoing importance of cooperative efforts through the G20 to promote global growth and prosperity.

Recognising Canada's commitment to development in South Asia, Prime Minister Modi took note of Canada's interest in having observer status in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Prime Minister Harper welcomed India's ongoing interest in and contributions on Arctic issues, particularly through India's observer status in the Arctic Council.

The two leaders underlined their shared commitment to a world without nuclear weapons and reaffirmed their support for global efforts towards non-proliferation and elimination of all weapons of mass destruction. Canada recognises India's non-proliferation record and continues to support India's early application and membership of the four multilateral export control regimes.

In this the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, as global partners the Prime Ministers affirmed the desirability of reforming the United Nations to strengthen its ability to address contemporary global challenges more effectively through concrete outcomes.

Canada and India share a commitment to advancing human rights, promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.

The Prime Minister of India thanked the Prime Minister of Canada and Mrs. Laureen Harper for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. Prime Minister Modi invited Prime Minister Harper and Mrs. Laureen Harper to visit India again. The invitation was accepted with gratitude.

****
India-Canada Joint Statement: नया"‹ "‹à¤‰à¤¤à¥à¤¸à¤¾à¤¹"‹, "‹à¤¨à¤"‹ "‹à¤•à¤¦à¤®:New Vigour"‹, "‹New Steps".
 

sorcerer

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India-Canada Joint Statement: नया"‹ "‹à¤‰à¤¤à¥à¤¸à¤¾à¤¹"‹, "‹à¤¨à¤"‹ "‹à¤•à¤¦à¤®:New Vigour"‹, "‹New Steps".


April 15, 2015

Canadian Prime Minister the Right Honourable Stephen Harper hosted the Prime Minister of India the Honourable Narendra Modi who is undertaking an historic bilateral visit to Canada, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 42 years, including Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver on 14-16 April 2015. The visit comprises extensive engagement with Canada's political, business and academic leadership and robust interactions with the Indian diaspora. It included a call on the Governor General of Canada His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Harper met in Ottawa on 15 April 2015, and held detailed discussions to assess the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged perspectives on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest. They noted the historic significance of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Canada in advancing bilateral ties to a new level marked with "नयाउत्साह: नएकदम – New Vigour: New Steps".The two Prime Ministers agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

Bilateral Relations

Prime Minister Modi commended Prime Minister Harper for his leadership in renewing the momentum of the bilateral relationship through his visits to India in 2009 and 2012. This momentum was maintained by the Governor General of Canada's state visit to India in 2014. The two leaders welcomed the continuing diversification, growth and deepening of bilateral relations in recent years, rooted in shared values of democracy, pluralism, tolerance, human rights and rule of law, and based on expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. They also agreed to hold regular discussions including on the margins of international meetings.

The leaders agreed to take concrete measures to expand bilateral cooperation in key areas including the economy, trade and investment, civil nuclear cooperation, energy, education and skills development, agriculture, defence and security, science, technology, innovation and space, culture, people-to-people ties, and regional and global issues.

Economy, Trade and Investment

The Prime Ministers recognised that bilateral business and commercial linkages constitute key drivers of the wide ranging India-Canada partnership. In this regard, Prime Minister Harper commended Prime Minister Modi for his forward-looking vision of energising the Indian economy and welcomed the policy measures and specific initiatives taken to improve the ease of doing business in India. They also appreciated the role played by the bilateral business community in both countries in promoting commercial partnerships between India and Canada.

In this context, the Prime Ministers noted that specific initiatives launched by Prime Minister Modi such as 'Make in India', 'Affordable Housing for all by 2022' and 'Smart Cities' offered significant collaborative commercial opportunities for Indian and Canadian businesses and industry. They also noted that Canada's prioritisation of India in its Global Markets Action Plan aligned well with bilateral objectives.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the need to elevate two-way trade and investment linkages to their full potential. They agreed to pursue specific measures to diversify and deepen bilateral trade and investment cooperation to increase the two way flow of goods and services.


They recognised that early finalisation of the Bilateral Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement is an important step in realising the shared objective of enhanced trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. They welcomed the progress made in the recent bilateral discussions between treaty negotiators and agreed to intensify discussions to finalise the outstanding issues.

They also welcomed the agreement on a road map to expeditiously conclude a progressive, balanced, and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement as a basis for significantly expanding two-way trade and investment and directed the negotiators to prioritise its finalisation.

Noting the important role of movement of professionals in boosting bilateral trade, investment and people-to-people ties, the Prime Ministers agreed that both sides will hold a dialogue in this field to facilitate greater bilateral cooperation.

Recognising Canadian commercial engagement, the Prime Ministers expressed support for bilateral partnerships for urban transformation and smart city development which would leverage Canadian expertise in a number of relevant fields including, public private partnerships, intelligent transportation systems, civil engineering and urban planning, water and wastewater management, pre-cast and wood construction, energy technology and efficiency and affordable housing.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in RailTransportation between India's Ministry of Railways and Transport Canada, dealing with technical cooperation. The leaders also welcomed the finalisation of an MoU on Civil Aviation between Transport Canada and India's Ministry of Civil Aviation, which will establish a Joint Working Group to bring together key industry and Government stakeholders to advance opportunities for cooperation in civil aviation.

The Prime Ministers took positive note of the useful discussions in the Economic and Financial Sector Policy Dialogue held on 13 February 2015 in New Delhi. The two sides agreed to establish a Finance Ministers Dialogue for the purpose of deepening the India-Canada economic and financial relationship.

Civil-Nuclear Cooperation

The Prime Ministers underscored the considerable potential for mutually-beneficial civil nuclear cooperation. They welcomed the signing of an Agreement between the Department of Atomic Energy of the Government of India and Cameco of Canada for long-term supply of uranium to India to meet its energy needs. They recognised that the agreement would impart a new significance to India-Canada Civil Nuclear Cooperation.

The Prime Ministers agreed to encourage a collaborative programme to leverage their industries' respective strengths in the field of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor technology for mutual benefit, as well as for the benefit of global nuclear energy needs.

They also encouraged closer cooperation in civil nuclear energy between their companies and welcomed the setting up of the India Nuclear Insurance Pool with potential participation of foreign companies as a positive step towards facilitating such cooperation.

They noted the planned Canadian civil nuclear trade mission to India in October 2015. They also agreed to explore mutually beneficial partnerships in the application of radio-isotopes for societal benefits.

The Prime Ministers, recognising the importance of taking the collaboration in nuclear science and technology to the next level, encouraged their respective atomic energy establishments and research institutions to establish mechanisms for long-term and mutually beneficial R&D collaboration in peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The Prime Ministers agreed to exchange experiences and developments on safety and regulatory issues. To take this forward, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission have finalised an arrangement for regulatory cooperation in the field of nuclear and radiation safety regulation

Energy

The Prime Ministers noted the significant opportunities available to expand bilateral trade and investment in energy and resources as well as related technologies and services. They welcomed efforts underway to deepen cooperation on energy through the Canada-India Ministerial Energy Dialogue and other mechanisms, and agreed toencourage enhanced commercial cooperation between companies in the energy sector. While recognising the significant scope and wide ranging potential for cooperation in this field between governments and the private sector, the Prime Ministers agreed to further collaboration in areas such as energy efficiency and innovation, oil and gas development, exchange of regulatory best practices, renewable energy, and nuclear energy.

The Prime Ministers noted the strong complementarities between Canada, a responsible resource producer with the potential to become an energy exporter to new markets such as India, and India, which is looking to Canada to enhance its energy security by diversifying its sources of supply.
To advance cooperation in this important sector, the Prime Ministers welcomed the convening of the next Ministerial meeting of the India-Canada Energy Dialogue by the end of 2015.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the decision by Indian Oil Corporation to invest in a proposed new liquefied natural gas project in British Columbia.

Education and Skills Development

The Prime Ministers identified education as one of the key areas of priority for bilateral engagement and agreed to focus on greater student, faculty and people-to-people exchanges. They affirmed that cooperation in education should focus on building the quality of human resources in both countries. They noted that India is a priority country under Canada's International Education Strategy

In this context, the Prime Ministers welcomed Canada's partnership in the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) of India to enable Canadian researchers to cooperate in learning, research and teaching in select Indian educational institutions.
They also welcomed the first co-funded student exchange programme through the Ministry of Human Resource Development's Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme and Canada's Mitacs Globalink Program.

The Prime Ministers noted the socio-economic opportunities inherent in India's ambitious goals of skillsdevelopment. In this regard, they welcomed the 13 MoUs between the National Skill Development Council of India and 13 Canadian colleges, institutes, and Sector Skills Councils in the fields of agriculture, apparel and textiles, automotive, aviation, construction, green economy, healthcare, hydrocarbons, IT, telecom and electronics, sports sector, and water.

The two leaders agreed to renew the Canada-India MoU on Higher Education on a rolling basis.

Agriculture

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance of intensifying and facilitating bilateral collaboration in the area of agriculture and agrifood, including continued collaboration in fertilisers, as well as in the fields of cold chain management, animal development, dryland farming, food processing technologies and agricultural sustainability.They noted interest from both countries to hold discussions to negotiate a bilateral organic equivalency arrangement. They welcomed the setting-up of the Plant Health Technical Working Group, as a sub group of the MoU on agriculture cooperation to promote trade in plants, plant products and other regulated articles by facilitating science-based discussions related to sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues.

Defence and Security

The Prime Ministers agreed that terrorism, extremism and radicalisation present security challenges to the peace, stability and prosperity of the two countries and humanity as a whole. They reaffirmed their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called for further efforts to eliminate terrorist safe havens and infrastructure; dismantle terrorist networks, their support systems and financing; and stem the cross-border movement of terrorists.

The Prime Ministers affirmed the need to expand and deepen their continuing cooperation in countering terrorism, radicalisation and violent extremism through joint efforts, and greater cooperation between their relevant government departments, including in the areas of extradition and mutual legal assistance, joint research, countering narcotics and Improvised Explosive Devices. In this regard, they welcomed the recent meeting between the Indian and Canadian National Security Advisers and the Plan of Action agreed during the 13th meeting of the India-Canada Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism held in New Delhi on 19 March 2015. The two Prime Ministers took positive note of the productive dialogue on security issues held under the leadership of their respective Deputy National Security Advisors and looked forward to the outcomes of the next round of the Dialogue.

The Prime Ministers agreed to intensify bilateral engagement and exchange perspectives on emerging threats to national security, including in the cyber domain. In this context, they welcomed the signing of the MoU between the Indian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness of Canada on Cooperation in the Area of Cyber Security.Recognising the importance of a free, open and secure internet they welcomed the commitment to a broader framework for future dialogue on cyber issues.

The Prime Ministers recognised defence cooperation as an important element of the overall bilateral security cooperation. To this end, they agreed to explore cooperative possibilities in diverse fields including cold climate warfare, peacekeeping, and participation in respective Defence Staff College training. They also agreed to explore further cooperation in enhancing naval linkages, and staff exchanges.

They also welcomed the signing of the Statement of Intent between Defence Research and Development Organisation of India and Defence Research and Development Canada, aimed at exploring potential cooperative initiatives in defence and security science and technology.

Science, Technology, Innovation, and Space

The Prime Ministers appreciated the ongoing bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation and its role in improving the lives of their citizens. They noted several successful Indo-Canadian research and development projects and their benefits to the larger society. They took particular note of the partnership between the India-Canada Centre for Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Accelerate Community Transformation and Sustainability (IC-IMPACTS) and the National Mission for Clean Ganga to find innovative technological solutions to clean the river Ganga; the 'Water for Health' collaboration between Indian's Department of Biotechnology and IC-IMPACTS; and the 'Safe and Sustainable Infrastructure' and 'Integrated Water-Management' initiatives with the Indian Department of Science and Technology. The Leaders agreed to support further joint projects on Safe and Sustainable Infrastructure and Integrated Water Management and public health.

In order to facilitate enhanced cooperation in all these areas, the two leaders welcomed the convening of the biennial meeting of the 5th Canada-India Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee in June 2015 and urged the Committee to explore new mechanisms to further augment bilateral engagement in science, technology and innovation. The Prime Ministers re-affirmed their commitment to joint industrial research and development projects through the International Science and Technology Partnership Program, and endorsed the annual contribution of CAD $1 million by both countries. They also welcomed the inclusion of Canadian and Indian startups in the Canadian Technology Accelerator initiative. Canada welcomed India's offer to be a Partner Country in the 2017 Technology Summit to be hosted by India.

The Prime Ministers recognised the importance of improving maternal, newborn and child health, which is a development priority for both countries, and welcomed an investment of CAD $2.5 million in five health innovations in India by Grand Challenges Canada and its Indian partner - the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology. India and Canada have also agreed to accelerate ongoing efforts towards the elimination of Visceral Leishmaniasis in India by jointly supporting an existing Grand Challenges Canada project.

Recognising India's satellite launch capabilities and Canada's expertise in satellites and astronomy, thePrime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the rapid expansion and intensification of India-Canada space cooperation,including the launch of Canadian satellites.They welcomed the renewal of the MoU on Space Cooperation between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Canadian Space Agency.

With a shared interest in promoting collaborative research in frontier areas of science, the two Prime Ministers welcomed the proposed collaboration between the the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) of India, and the Stem Cell Network of Canada in stem cell research, including possible research student exchanges.

In the interest of public health and recognising the need to strengthen bilateral engagement and exchange information in the areas of safety, efficacy, and quality of therapeutic products, including cellular therapy products, as well as on traditional medicines, the Prime Ministers agreed to establish a dialogue between relevant federal departments of the two countries in order to facilitate cooperation.

Culture and People-to-People Ties

The two Prime Ministers recognised the central and dynamic role of people to people ties in the Canada-India partnership, noting and appreciating in particular the growing community of more than one million Canadians of Indian origin and their contributions to both societies. Both leaders emphasised the need to further invigorate bilateral people-to-people contacts. In this regard they welcomed progress towards the renewal of an MoU on Cultural Cooperation between Canada and India, and Canada's proposal to hold the Year of Canada in India in 2017.

The leaders looked forward to the entry into force of the Canada-India Social Security Agreement on August 1, 2015.

Highlighting the important role of increasing connectivity to grow commercial and people-to-people links, the Prime Ministers welcomed the resumption of non-stop air links between Canada and India, commencing November 2015.

Recognising the importance of bilateral parliamentary exchanges, the Prime Ministers agreed to encourage further reciprocal visits by parliamentary delegations.

Regional and Global Issues

The Prime Ministers assessed the emerging regional and global strategic landscape, including in particular, the evolution of terrorist threats globally, the conflicts in Syria and Iraq and the implications for regional stability, and supporting reconciliation and economic recovery in Afghanistan.

Recalling their initial meeting at the G20 Summit in Brisbane in 2014, the Prime Ministers affirmed the ongoing importance of cooperative efforts through the G20 to promote global growth and prosperity.

Recognising Canada's commitment to development in South Asia, Prime Minister Modi took note of Canada's interest in having observer status in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Prime Minister Harper welcomed India's ongoing interest in and contributions on Arctic issues, particularly through India's observer status in the Arctic Council.

The two leaders underlined their shared commitment to a world without nuclear weapons and reaffirmed their support for global efforts towards non-proliferation and elimination of all weapons of mass destruction. Canada recognises India's non-proliferation record and continues to support India's early application and membership of the four multilateral export control regimes.

In this the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, as global partners the Prime Ministers affirmed the desirability of reforming the United Nations to strengthen its ability to address contemporary global challenges more effectively through concrete outcomes.

Canada and India share a commitment to advancing human rights, promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.

The Prime Minister of India thanked the Prime Minister of Canada and Mrs. Laureen Harper for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. Prime Minister Modi invited Prime Minister Harper and Mrs. Laureen Harper to visit India again. The invitation was accepted with gratitude.

****
India-Canada Joint Statement: नया"‹ "‹à¤‰à¤¤à¥à¤¸à¤¾à¤¹"‹, "‹à¤¨à¤"‹ "‹à¤•à¤¦à¤®:New Vigour"‹, "‹New Steps".
 

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