New Delhi: India and Canada held their Foreign Office Consultations during which they agreed to enhance the momentum in commercial ties, and strengthen cooperation in energy, education, counter-terrorism, and streamline mobility.
The talks were held on April 11 in Ottawa. Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs and Mr. David Morrison, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Global Affairs Canada led the respective delegations.
Both sides took the opportunity to review ongoing bilateral cooperation across different domains. They agreed to enhance momentum in commercial ties, and strengthen cooperation in science & technology, energy, education, consular issues, counter-terrorism, and streamline mobility, an official statement said.
They welcomed regular dialogue and meetings of bilateral mechanisms, including upcoming Ministerial visits which would help broaden the bilateral agenda.
Both sides also discussed contemporary regional issues including the Indo-Pacific region and cooperation in multilateral organizations.
In the context of India’s ongoing G20 Presidency, Canada expressed support for India’s leadership. Both sides will work together to ensure G20’s success.
The discussions were productive and substantial. The next FOC will be held in India on a mutually convenient date, it said.
The Indian High Commission in Canada in tweets said:
“Secretary East @AmbSaurabhKumar & Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs David Morrison @GAC_DM_FA co-chaired India-Canada Foreign Office Consultations in Ottawa. They comprehensively reviewed the bilateral relationship and assessed its great potential. They agreed to maintain regular dialogue & enhance cooperation.
“India’s G20 Presidency & Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy provide opportunities to work together on regional & global issues.”
“Secretary (East) @AmbSaurabhKumar had a virtual courtesy call with Canadian Minister of National Defence The Honourable @AnitaAnandMP.
“Secretary conveyed Raksha Mantri’s greetings & discussed the potential for strengthening bilateral defence cooperation including in the context of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy,” it said.
