India, Canada to expand bilateral cooperation in key areas

India and Canada on Wednesday agreed to take 'concrete measures' to expand bilateral cooperation in key areas, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi commending his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper for maintaining the relationship between the North American country and India via his visits to New Delhi.

In the joint statement released by Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Harper, the two leaders stated that they have 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.

The two leaders also noted the historic significance of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Canada in advancing bilateral ties to a new level and agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

The joint statement further said that Prime Minister Modi has 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.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister met Canadian Governor General David Johnston, before holding a tete-a-tete with his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper.

He also attended a ceremonial reception before being accorded a guard of honour.

Addressing the press, Prime Minister Modi later said that the agreement between the two countries on the procurement of uranium from Canada for India's civilian nuclear power plants launches a new era of bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi's trip to Canada is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 42 years.

Prime Minister Modi arrived here after concluding a successful visit to France and Germany.