Justin Trudeau LIVE: India a natural partner, trusted friend for commercial cooperation, says Canada PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau with a hug on Friday, a day after embarrassed Canadian diplomats had to rescind a party invitation for a man convicted of attempting to kill an Indian politician during a visit to Canada in the 1980s.

Jaspal Atwal, a former member of a banned Sikh separatist group, had been invited to a Thursday evening party for Trudeau at Canada’s High Commission in New Delhi. Canada quickly withdrew the invitation once it was discovered, with Trudeau telling reporters: “The individual in question never should have received an invitation.”

Trudeau is on a week-long visit to India accompanied with his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and three children --Ella-Grace, Xavier and Hadrien -- and a delegation of ministers.

Here are the Live updates:

2:07pm: “We discussed about strengthening people-to-people ties. I am inspired by the prospect of our shared future,” says Trudeau.

2:06pm: A renewed economic partnership must create jobs and help families. PM Modi and I are united in that collaboration: Canada PM. “We share not only rich a history but a set of values that encourage a natural friendship between our two countries.”

2:05pm: As Canada looks to diversify its own economy and looks for new opportunities to do business beyond its boundaries, India is a natural partner and a trusted friend for commercial cooperation: Trudeau.

2:03pm: “I look forward to continued partnership (between our countries) for years to come,” says Trudeau.

2:01pm: “Canada is a energy super-power, it can fulfill our increasing energy demands,” says PM Modi.

2:00pm: We have similar thoughts when it comes to the situation in North Korea and Maldives: Modi.

1:58pm: Canada is an important destination for Indian students when it comes to higher education. More than 1 lakh of our students are there. We renewed our MoU on higher education which will enhance the exchange in terms of higher education: Modi.

1:55pm: Those who challenge our sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be tolerated, says Modi.

1:53pm: “India and Canada can work together in every sector. We discussed many issues including defence cooperation. Terrorism and extremism are a threat to countries like ours and to fight these elements, it is important for us to come together,” says Modi.

1:52pm: “Your visit was awaited since a long time. Very happy that you came here along with your wife and children,” Modi tells Trudeau. “I experienced Canada’s love for India when I went there.”

1:50pm: PM Modi begins his address.

1:45pm: The two sides exchange five Memorandums of Understanding including on information and communications technology, sports, IPR, education and energy.

1:42pm:

Taking the relationship forward! PM @narendramodi and Canadian PM @JustinTrudeau discussed strengthening cooperation in trade & investment, energy, education, healthcare, IT, start up, science & technology, defence and security, tourism and people-to-people contacts. pic.twitter.com/OS7wj84IcE

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 23, 2018

1:15pm: Modi and Trudeau hold extensive talks, exploring ways to boost ties in several key areas, including trade and energy.

12:15pm: Delegation level talks to be held soon, with a number of agreements expected to be signed in several areas.

12:05pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Justin Trudeau at Delhi’s Hyderabad House, to hold delegation level talks later: ANI. The bilateral talks will focus on trade, defence, civil nuclear cooperation, space, climate change and education.

11:20am: Trudeau meets external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar says the two sides discussed ways to strengthen and deepen the bilateral India-Canada partnership.

10:50am: PM Trudeau and his family reach Rajghat to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

9:10am: Canadian PM inspects guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan.