Canadian governor general looks forward to enhancing bilateral ties with India

Canadian Governor General, David Johnston on Monday said that the objective of his nine-day visit to India was to provide greater impetus to bilateral ties, including thinking of fresh initiatives in business, entrepreneurship and education.

Johnston met Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and was accorded ceremonial reception on the forecourt of the ornate sand stone Indian Presidential palace.

"First of all, I am very excited to be here in India with my wife and our delegation. Secondly, the relationship between Canada and India is very strong and we hope that will continue to be the case and work very hard to ensure that's the case," said Johnston.

"The theme of my visit is education, innovation, entrepreneurship and its' wonderful to see two countries like Canada that have many similarities and many contrasts coming together to advance the interest of our people in particularly in and around education, innovation and entrepreneurship. So, during the course of the visit we hope to achieve a good many things in that respect and continue the momentum of this wonderful relationship between our two countries," he said.

This is the first visit by Johnston since 1998 and follows the last visit of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in November 2012.

Johnston is expected hold discussions with the Indian Prime Minister and the President during the course of his visit.

Johnston who is accompanied by his wife, Sharon Johnston, is also due to visit Agra, Bangalore and Mumbai.