Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the 65th anniversary of India's independence on August 15th:
"I am pleased to extend my very best wishes to all those celebrating the 65th anniversary of India's independence, which also coincides with the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Canada.
"Since gaining independence in 1947, the people of India have built a strong and dynamic country; a country that has become one of the world's leading economies.
"India remains a valuable partner to Canada in the world. With more than one million Canadians of Indian descent, we benefit immensely from the rich and longstanding economic, cultural and people-to-people connections that exist between our two countries.
"In 2010, Prime Minister Singh and I launched trade negotiations, which will help Canadian and Indian businesses prosper. In the months and years ahead, I look forward to further strengthening our ties, especially in the areas of energy and food security, education, infrastructure development, and finance.
"Once again, on behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I would like to join the people of India, as well as Canadians of Indian heritage, in celebrating this important milestone."
