Committed to contain 'threat of incitement": Canada to India

Canada today assured India that it takes "threat of incitement" by radical elements "very seriously" in response to New Delhi's concerns over activities of pro-Khalistan elements as the two countries discussed ways to enhance cooperation in key areas of defence, nuclear energy and trade.
During the second round of Strategic Dialogue, which was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Canadian counterpart John Baird, the two sides covered the entire spectrum of the relationship and discussed international and regional issues.
Baird, who recalled the bombing of the Montreal-New Delhi Air India Kanishka flight by terrorists mid-air 25 years ago killing all 329 people on board including 268 Canadian citizens, 27 Britons, and 24 Indians, said his country has come a long way since then.

"And he (Baird) acknowledged that since then Canada has come a long way in acting against terrorists. So, he acknowledged our concerns in terms of radical elements perhaps misusing opportunities available in Canada," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.
The visiting dignitary also conveyed that Canada takes "threat of incitement" very seriously and was committed to contain it.
Both the leaders agreed that counter-terrorism was an important part of the cooperation, the Spokesperson said.

Apart from counter-terrorism, defence and security, the two leaders discussed cooperation in the area of trade, investments and nuclear energy with Swaraj saying, "We see natural synergy and tremendous potential for a deepening engagement in several critical areas of mutual interest, including energy, education, skill development, trade and investment, nuclear cooperation, to name a few."

She further said the intention was to accelerate pace of our growing partnership and there was a manifest desire on both sides to deepen it further.
Noting that improved relations with India was a priority for Canada, Baird felt that these were exciting times for India and Canada to engage and enhance its partnership with India and said that this partnership really matters to Canada.