Canada and India have a history of collaboration that has helped further their relationship in areas such as trade, research and development, and innovation, particularly in the resource sectors. Current collaborative agreements between Canada and India in the natural resource sectors include:
- Terms of Reference for the Canada–India Ministerial Energy Dialogue: The Terms of Reference (signed October 28, 2013) outlines the scope and priority areas of engagement under the Ministerial Energy Dialogue. Areas of cooperation include: promoting two-way trade and investment in petroleum and natural gas; identifying areas of cooperation in renewable and green energy technology; and exchanging experiences in the power sector, including lessons learned in smart grid technology. The Dialogue was announced in a statement from Prime Minister Harper’s 2012 state visit to India.
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Natural Resources Canada and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for the Republic of India Concerning Cooperation in the Field of Petroleum and Natural Gas: This MOU (signed October 28, 2013) regarding petroleum and natural gas cooperation sets a foundation for strategic and technical cooperation in oil and gas, including joint research projects, the exchange of expertise and the promotion of cooperation between oil and gas companies. A Petroleum and Natural Gas Working Group will be constituted under the MOU to coordinate and implement bilateral activities. This MOU was also referenced in the Prime Ministers’ Joint Statement with Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, from Prime Minister Harper’s 2012 mission to India.
- Canada–India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement: (came into force September 20, 2013) The Nuclear Cooperation Agreement and the supporting Appropriate Arrangement will allow Canadian firms to export and import controlled nuclear materials (e.g., uranium), equipment and technology to and from India to facilities, subject to safeguards applied by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
- India–Canada Science, Technology and Innovation Action Plan: The plan (signed April 2013) aims to strengthen collaboration with the goals of promoting basic research, facilitating academic work exchanges and accelerating technology commercialization.
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Cooperation in the Field of Earth Sciences and Mining: This MOU (signed June 27, 2010) confirms Canada and India’s mutual interest in developing and reinforcing their cooperation in the fields of earth sciences and mining. It will establish a framework for joint investigations and scientific exchanges, with the intent of reinforcing and strengthening both scientific and commercial links between the two countries.
Melissa Lantsman
Director of Communications
Office of Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources
613-996-2007
Or:
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447