Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Friday held extensive talks, exploring ways to boost ties in several key areas, including trade and energy.
A slew of documents were signed in presence of the Prime Ministers. At a joint press meet, Mr. Modi emphasised terrorism and extremism were a threat to multi-faceted countries like India and Canada, while Mr. Trudeau said his country supported pluralism and diversity. Words khalistan and separatism were avoided by both the leaders.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the Canadian Prime Minister and discussed various issues of mutual interest.
India a natural partner, says Trudeau
Mr. Trudeau says India is a "natural partner and friend." The renewed economic partnership should benefit all and not just the wealthiest.
"We discussed deepening and strengthening people-to-people ties," he says.
'India expanding energy dialogue with Canada'
Mr. Modi says he is happy that Mr. Trudeau and his family visited several Indian cities before coming to the National Capital.
India is interested in taking forward the strategic partnership with Canada, Mr. Modi says in Hindi.
Terrorism and extremism are a threat to both India and Canada, the Prime Minister says adding that it is important that both nations must fight them together. The National Security Advisers of both the nations have already met, he notes.
Both the nations are giving final touches to the "Framework for Cooperation on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism", he says.
Calling Canada an "energy super power", Mr. Modi says India is expanding its energy dialogue with the country.
"We are committed to building friendliness with the Canadian-based Indian community and seeking active participation in India's progress. India-Canada is a natural partnership of shared values. I hope to have more robust partnership between the two countries and the bright future of our two countries," says Mr. Modi, ending his speech.
Cooperation in IT, Science
Mr. Modi and Mr. Trudeau hold bilateral discussions at Hyderabad House.
India and Canada exchange files on information technology and science cooperation. Terms of References between the oil and gas ministry of India and Canadian ministry of natural resources are signed.
Agreements on nuclear science and Intellectual Property Rights between India and Canada are also signed.
“Picture speaks for itself! EAM @SushmaSwaraj had a warm meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada @JustinTrudeau and discussed ways to strengthen and deepen our partnership,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweets.
Ceremonial welcome
On Friday, Mr. Trudeau is accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan.
Earlier on Thursday, Mr. Modi tweeted, "I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries."
Twitter diplomacy
Mr. speaks about Mr. Trudeau for the first time after almost five days since the Canadian Prime Minister arrived in India.
Mr. Modi tweeted, "I hope PM @JustinTrudeau and his family had a very enjoyable stay so far. I particularly look forward to meeting his children Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien. Here is a picture from my 2015 Canada visit, when I'd met PM Trudeau and Ella-Grace."
Mr. Trudeau replied, "She remembers it well, @narendramodi! It's been great to visit so far - we'll see you today."