India, Canada sign three MoUs in energy, infrastructure

India and Canada signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) at the 'Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit' in Gujarat's Gandhinagar on Wednesday, calling for multi-stakeholder engagement in the areas of energy, infrastructure, innovation and research.

The first MoU was signed between the Kinectrics International Inc. (KII), Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) and the Security Solution Business Integrator (SSBI ) to set up a first-of-its-kind conductor testing laboratory at GFSU.

This high-end testing lab will allow India's power-based industry partners to save time and money by accessing forensic lab facilities in India rather than in Canada.

The lab will also provide the necessary infrastructure for the Gujarat-based university to deliver new forensic-based education including forensic-related R&D work for the electricity grid.

A Letter of Cooperation was also signed between Ultra Electronics ?Forensic Technology Inc. and Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) for the exchange of faculty and key technical personnel for joint lectures and research programs.

This association will enable graduate students from both institutions to develop and enhance technical capabilities in the discipline of ballistic forensics.

And a MoU between a Canadian Consortium of companies and ?the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB) was signed for the promotion and development of a Petroleum and Petrochemical complex with storage facilities.

Under the agreement, both parties will examine the possibility of cooperative studies that analyze business conditions and promote exports between Canada and Gujarat.

Canada's Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Amarjeet Sohi, is leading a strong business delegation to the 8th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit where Canada is a country partner.

Sohi met with Prime Minister Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani, his counterpart the Minister of Urban Development, Housing, and Urban Poverty Alleviation, M. Venkaiah Naidu and several other Indian Ministers as well as business leaders.

He addressed the inaugural session of the summit and delivered a key-note address on "Smart and Livable Cities: Opportunities and Challenges."

Many Canadian business representatives are attending the summit to explore opportunities and new partnerships with Indian counterparts, including through the Smart Cities Initiative.

Minister Sohi's visit is the fourth visit to India by a Cabinet Minister of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Government, a reflection of the importance of Canada's relationship with India.