PM Modi, PM Harper reaffirm support for non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper have reaffirmed their support for global efforts towards non-proliferation and elimination of all weapons of mass destruction, with the two leaders underlining a shared commitment towards a world without nuclear weapons.

In the joint statement released by the two leaders, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Harper 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 meeting at the Brisbane G20 Summit in 2014, the two leaders 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. He also recognised India's non-proliferation record and pledged to continue to support India's early application and membership of the four multilateral export control regimes.

The two leaders affirmed the desirability of reforming the United Nations to strengthen its ability to address contemporary global challenges more effectively through concrete outcomes, stating that Canada and India share a commitment to advancing human rights, promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.

The two leaders 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.

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