New Delhi, October 13
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held "constructive discussions" with visiting Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to "restore and reinvigorate" the partnership between the two nations.
Jaishankar said that the two also exchanged views on global developments and agreed on an "ambitious cooperation roadmap."
In a post on X, he said, "Delighted to welcome FM Anita Anand of Canada today in New Delhi. Had constructive discussions to restore and reinvigorate the mechanisms necessary to advance our partnership. Also exchanged views on global developments and our responses to shared challenges."
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"We also agreed on an ambitious cooperation roadmap. And to shepherd the process of rebuilding our cooperation so that it delivers on the expectation of our leaders and the interests of our people."
Jaishankar held bilateral talks on Monday with his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand, who is on her first official visit to India after taking charge as Canada's new Foreign Minister.
"We seek to de-risk the international economy today by forging strong partnerships of growing range and depth. Your visit, Ms. Anand, affords an opportunity to review the global scenario and exchange perspectives, " he said.
The visit comes against the backdrop of improving diplomatic ties and a mutual push to rebuild trust following recent tensions. "As Prime Minister Modi noted during his meeting with Prime Minister Carney in Kananaskis, India's approach is to move forward with a positive mindset," Jaishankar said, referring to the meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 summit in June this year.
Earlier in the day, Anand also held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a post on X, she said, "I met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning in New Delhi. Building on the momentum of Prime Minister Mark Carney's meeting with PM Modi this summer at the G7 Summit, Canada and India are elevating the relationship between our countries, while maintaining our law enforcement and security dialogue and expanding our economic relationship."
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Anand expressed gratitude for the warm welcome received in India and affirmed that Canada stands committed, along with India, to further advancing the relationship, both in the present and the long term, especially when it comes to mutual priorities in the Indo-Pacific.
She affirmed, "Both of our governments agree on the importance of elevating the relationship going further. So the joint statement will discuss our mutual plans for re-engagement. It will inform Canadians and Indians alike that we are collectively committed to advancing this relationship now and in the long term, particularly when it comes to our mutual priorities in the Indo-Pacific."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see diplomatic channels opening up again. The recent tensions affected many Indian students and families. Let's hope this "ambitious cooperation roadmap" actually delivers results on the ground.
While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, I hope India maintains a firm stance on national security concerns. The relationship should be based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal matters.
As someone with family in both countries, this news brings relief. The Indo-Pacific focus is particularly important given current global dynamics. Hope this leads to more people-to-people connections.
The economic partnership potential is huge! Canada has resources India needs, and India offers skilled workforce and market opportunities. This could be win-win if handled properly.
Actions speak louder than words. We've seen many such "constructive discussions" before. Let's wait and see what tangible benefits actually reach common citizens from this renewed engagement.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.