28 October 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he will travel to India from November 16 to 18, following his participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Singapore from November 14 to 15.
“There is a tremendous amount of potential in our relationship with India,” said the Prime Minister. “We share a history of cooperation in the Commonwealth and the United Nations, as well as a shared commitment to pluralism, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Our goal is to build a stronger, more dynamic partnership based on shared commercial, political and regional interests.”
The Prime Minister’s visit follows eleven ministerial-level visits to India since 2006. In addition, the Government of Canada has opened new trade offices in Hyderabad, Calcutta and Ahmedabad in 2009, bringing the total number of diplomatic and commercial offices in the country to eight.
India has one of the world’s fastest growing economies and trade between India and Canada is increasing. The strength of ties between the two countries is also reflected in the estimated one million Canadians of Indian origin and the 7,300 Indian students who are currently studying in Canada.
