Stephen Harper lauds Indian community's contribution to Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Friday hailed the contribution of the Indian community in building a stronger, better and more prosperous Canada.

"This trip has been about Canada-India relationships, but it has also been about showcasing the tremendous contribution that Canadians of Indian origin, now 1.2 million, have made in helping to build a stronger, better and more prosperous Canada," Prime Minister Harper said at the official dinner for Prime Minister Modi.

He added that the people of Indian origin had made a lasting contribution to Canada's prosperity and cultural diversity.

"In 1893, Swami Vivekananda arrived here, since then Canadians of Indian origin have helped to build a vibrant economy and a dynamic society here in British Columbia," Prime Minister Harper said.

"Elsewhere in Canada, hundreds and thousands of Indian immigrants have also made a lasting contribution to Canada's prosperity and cultural diversity," he added.

The Canadian Prime Minister also recalled that his second visit to India was the longest trip any Canadian premier has made anywhere in the world.

"My second trip to India was the longest bilateral visit any Canadian Prime Minister has ever made anywhere in the world.

Our systems are rooted in freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, federalism and pluralism," said Prime Minister Harper.