Canada can fulfill India's increasing energy demands: Modi

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said India is a natural partner and a trusted friend for commercial cooperation.

Asserting that India is committed to furthering a strategic partnership with Canada, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that terrorism is a major threat to democratic and pluralistic countries like India and Canada.

Speaking at the joint press statement after the bilateral talks between India and Canada, PM Modi said that Canada is an energy superpower that can fulfil India's increasing energy demands.

"Both me and Prime Minister Trudeau have agreed to step up cooperation to combat terrorism menace. Our NSA have met. They are finalising Framework for Cooperation on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism," Modi said.

"For our economic cooperation to flourish, there is a need to put in place an institutional mechanism. For this, we have directed representatives from both sides to double the pace to finalise Bilateral Investment & Promotion Agreement and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement," he added.

He said that there is no place in the society for those who use religion for politics, adding that India and Canada would never tolerate any attack on unity and integrity of both the countries.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said India is a natural partner and a trusted friend for commercial cooperation.

"We share not only rich a history but a set of values that encourage a natural friendship between our two countries," he said at the joint press statement.

India Canada bilateral talks

During the bilateral talks earlier, PM Modi and his Canadian counterpart discussed strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, energy, education, healthcare, IT, start up, science and technology, defence and security, tourism and people-to-people contacts.

Ceremonial Reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan

Earlier today, Trudeau was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Following his official welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and his family paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Modi welcomes Trudeau

PM Modi greeted Trudeau with his signature bear-hug and posed for photographs with his family. Almost a week after Justin Trudeau arrived in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took to Twitter and said that he is looking forward to meeting the Canadian Prime Minister.

Trudeau meets EAM Sushma Swaraj

It was widely reported earlier that the Union Government had 'snubbed' Trudeau. Questions had also been raised about Trudeau being given a lukewarm response on his arrival in India. Some had raised questions after Prime Minister Modi had not received the Canadian PM. A customary tweet from the PM welcoming the dignitary was also missing.

(Images - MEA/Twitter)

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