India, Canada may ink seven new pacts, four other agreements

New Delhi, June 22 (ANI): India is expected to sign agreements for cooperation in civil nuclear energy and social security besides Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) in mining, higher education, and culture during Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's upcoming visit to Canada for the G20 Summit.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will leave for Toronto on a four-day visit from June 25 onwards to participate in the G20 Summit and also to have a bilateral Summit meeting with his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper.

Informing about the Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding under discussion and negotiations with the Canadian side, Secretary (West) Vivek Katju here on Tuesday said: "Some of these have made substantial progress and if concluded before the visit in all respects, may be signed during the visit."

"These are the Agreement for Cooperation in Civil Nuclear Energy, an MOU for Cooperation in Mining, an MOU for Cooperation in Higher Education, an MOU for Cooperation in Culture and a Social Security Agreement," Katju informed media persons.

He said the Prime Minister's visit to Canada for the G-20 Summit provides an opportunity for a substantive bilateral engagement between the Prime Minister and his Canadian counterpart, Mr. Stephen Harper. he interaction between the two Prime Ministers is scheduled for the evening of June 27 in Toronto, he informed.

India and Canada share a commitment to democratic and constitutional governance and to the values which are associated with such governance: the rule of law, the protection and promotion of civil liberties and personal freedom, inclusive growth and pluralism.

These form a firm foundation for the bilateral relationship. The two countries have been engaged, over the past few years, in enhancing the substance of the bilateral relationship in areas that can directly contribute to the welfare of the people.

Thus, there has been a focus on economic and commercial cooperation and cooperation in the field of science, technology, innovation, education, health and agriculture among others.

"The visit of Prime Minister Stephen Harper to India in November, 2009 provided an opportunity to the two countries to impart momentum to their cooperation in these areas. Prime Minister's discussions with Prime Minister Harper in Toronto will give another impetus to our cooperation," said Katju during his opening remarks.

Besides MEA's Secretary (West) Vivek Katju, the official spokesperson Vishnu Prakash, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, and Vani Rao, Director (AMS) were also present during the media briefing. (ANI)