New Delhi: Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said they had a productive discussion on further strengthening India-Canada ties in trade, technology and energy.
Modi said India is committed to building a constructive and forward-looking strategic partnership with Canada that delivers tangible benefits to the people of both countries.
"Pleased to meet Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. We had a productive discussion on further strengthening India-Canada ties in trade, technology, security, energy, education and people-to-people exchanges," he said in a post on X.
In a statement, the prime minister's office said during the meeting, Modi and Anand discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, science and technology, defence, security, energy, education, people-to-people ties and multilateral cooperation.
Modi emphasised the importance of sustaining the momentum in bilateral engagement and translating it into tangible outcomes, including through early conclusion of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
They also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, the statement said.
Modi conveyed his warm greetings to his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney and said he looked forward to continuing their engagements.
The meeting came a day after Modi had a telephonic talk with Carney.
After Tuesday's telephonic talk with Carney, Modi said together, India and Canada are contributing towards a "more stable and prosperous world".
He said both the leaders agreed to build on the positive momentum in India-Canada ties and work towards concrete outcomes across key areas of Strategic Partnership, including trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people ties.
A statement from Carney's office said that the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to conclude negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the earliest opportunity, supporting efforts to double two-way trade by 2030.
"They welcomed the historic Team Canada Trade Mission currently taking place in India, led by the Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, as well as a visit to New Delhi this week by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, to advance shared priorities, including trade, energy, and people-to-people ties," the Canadian PMO said.