New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the national capital on Monday. After the talks, he announced the launch of the India-Canada Defence Dialogue
During their meeting both leaders agreed to soon conclude a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. They also finalised a new framework to further strengthen ties between two countries, including pushing bilateral annual trade to USD 50 billion by next four years.
Both Prime Ministers discuss several issues
PM Modi and Carney also spoke on several issues, including further cementing cooperation in critical technologies, small and modular nuclear reactors, education and renewable energy, among other sectors. Notably, Canada will support India’s civil nuclear energy sector under the USD 2.6 billion uranium supply pact.
Speaking further, PM Modi said that both India and Canada were of the view that extremism and terrorism are a serious challenge not only for both countries but for humanity as a whole. “Our close cooperation against these is crucial for global peace and stability,” he said as per news agency PTI.
On the current situation in the Middle East, PM Modi said, “The current situation in West Asia is a matter of deep concern for us. India supports the resolution of all disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. We will continue to work with all countries to ensure the safety of all Indian citizens in the region.”
‘Building a next-generation partnership in energy sector’
“In the energy sector, we are building a next-generation partnership, which will focus on hydrocarbons as well as renewable energy, green hydrogen and energy storage,” he added further.
In his speech, Carney described the uranium supply agreement as a reflection of shared commitment between two nations. “All of these agreements under one planet are the beginning of a new, prosperous relationship that will offer generational opportunities for workers and businesses in both their countries and which will protect the planet for future generations,” he said.