Mera Saansad
Search Search
Telugu language

Text of PM’s Media Statement during Joint Press Interaction with PM of Canada, Mr. Stephen Harper at Ottawa, Canada

Published By : Admin | April 15, 2015 | 21:20 IST

Prime Minister Harper and Members of Media,

I am delighted to visit this beautiful country and this charming city.

I attach the highest importance to India's relations with Canada.

This has been reinforced by my excellent experience with Canada as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

55 PM Modi with Canada PM Stephen Harper at Exchange of Agreements and Press Statements (8)

Our relationship had drifted in the past. In recent years, Prime Minister Harper's vision and leadership changed the course of our relations.

I am conscious of the significance of this visit in the history of our relations.

I have come at a time when the importance of this relationship for our two countries has never been stronger.

We are two major democracies with deeply shared values.

Few countries in the world can match Canada's potential to be a partner in India's economic transformation. And, it exists in a new environment in India, which is open, predictable, stable and easy to do business in.

Equally, the vast scale of India's transformation, and our rapid economic growth, offers immense opportunities for Canada.

I seek Canada's cooperation and investment in every area of India's national development priority,- Energy and Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Skills, Smart Cities and agro-industry, and Research and Education.

Prime Minister Harper and I are absolutely committed to establish a new framework for economic partnership. I am pleased that we have made rapid progress on long pending agreements.

55 PM Modi with Canada PM Stephen Harper at Exchange of Agreements and Press Statements (4)

I am confident that we can conclude the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement very soon. We will also implement the road map to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Co-operation Agreement by September 2015.

The thirteen agreements on skill development reflect my commitment to empower the youth of India with world class skills for India and the global economy.

The agreement on procurement of uranium from Canada for our civilian nuclear power plants launches a new era of bilateral nuclear cooperation.

It also reflects a new level of mutual trust and confidence. Further, it will contribute to India's efforts to power its growth with clean energy.

As the agreement today on Space highlights, we have strong synergy for cooperation in areas of advanced technologies.

To support greater engagement and people-to-people contacts, we have liberalised our visa policy for Canada. We will issue Electronic Visa Authorisation for tourist visa for Canadian nationals. They will also be eligible for ten-year visas now.

Prime Minister and I agree that a strong bilateral relationship will provide a solid foundation to pursue our common international interests.

We also agree that in the troubled world of today, our cooperation will help advance our shared values and peace in the world.

We in India felt Canada's pain when this city was struck by a senseless act of terrorism.

The threat of terrorism is growing; its shadow extends over cities and lives across the world.

55 PM Modi with Canada PM Stephen Harper at Exchange of Agreements and Press Statements (9)

We will deepen our cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism. We will also promote a comprehensive global strategy, and consistent policy and action against all sources of terrorism and its support.

We also agree on the need to enhance our defence and security cooperation. I welcome our recent agreement on cyber security.

We both recognise that peace and stability in West Asia will make us safer at home; so will Afghanistan's successful transition.

I believe that Canada is a major Asia Pacific power and should play a more active role, including in regional institutions, in promoting a stable and prosperous future for the region.

I look forward to our continued partnership in G 20.

In conclusion, let me say that ours is a natural partnership of shared values.

It is an economic partnership of immense mutual benefit.

It is a strategic partnership that can help address many of our shared global challenges.

55 PM Modi with Canada PM Stephen Harper at Exchange of Agreements and Press Statements (12)

And, it is a relationship nurtured by the emotional bonds of a vibrant Indian community of 1.2 million.

I am confident that this visit will be a springboard for a new strategic partnership between our two democracies.

Finally, Prime Minister has been most gracious and generous in choosing to go with me to Ottawa and Vancouver. I also thank him for returning to us a precious piece of our heritage.

There is no better evidence of his commitment to our relationship. There will be no better way for me to experience this country's huge diversity.

Thank you.

Login or Register to add your comment
Explore More
శ్రీరామ జన్మభూమి ఆలయ ధ్వజారోహణ ఉత్సవం సందర్భంగా ప్రధానమంత్రి ప్రసంగం

ప్రముఖ ప్రసంగాలు

శ్రీరామ జన్మభూమి ఆలయ ధ్వజారోహణ ఉత్సవం సందర్భంగా ప్రధానమంత్రి ప్రసంగం
View All
West Asia conflict: 59 India-bound vessels transited Hormuz since war

Media Coverage

West Asia conflict: 59 India-bound vessels transited Hormuz since war
View All
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
Download App
...
Smooth functioning of Parliament, collective resolve to take the country forward are the need of the hour: PM Modi
July 20, 2026
May this session witness productive discussions that strengthen India's development journey: PM
We pray that the monsoon remains proactive and the Monsoon Session remains productive, contributing to the welfare of the nation: PM
Over the past month, the country has achieved several milestones at the national, international and space levels that have filled every Indian with pride: PM
Despite the challenges in West Asia, India continued to grow as the fastest-growing major economy in the world, reflecting its strength and determination: PM
Smooth functioning of Parliament, meaningful discussions and a collective resolve to take the country forward are the need of the hour: PM

A warm welcome to all of you.

The monsoon is beginning to show its positive impact, and the Monsoon Session of Parliament is also commencing. Be it the monsoon or the Monsoon Session, when both are proactive, they become highly productive. And when both are productive, they contribute to the well-being of the nation and of all living beings. With this hope, we pray that the monsoon remains proactive and that the Monsoon Session is equally productive.

Friends,

In the past month, the country has achieved many milestones, filling citizens with pride. These achievements span national, international, and even space domains. For India, these have been moments of glory. Just before the Monsoon Session last year, an Indian citizen reached the International Space Station. And only the day before yesterday, a young Indian start-up accomplished an extraordinary feat. There are only a handful of countries in the world where private enterprises have demonstrated such capability. Our young innovators have taken India’s aspirations to new heights in space, and this is a truly remarkable achievement. I am told that the average age of the team working at the Skyroot start-up is just 28 years. It is these young minds who have made this possible. I am not talking about a 56-year-old young man; I am talking about a start-up whose team, with an average age of just 28, has planted India’s flag in the realm of space. They certainly deserve our heartfelt congratulations. More importantly, such achievements instil immense confidence in our nation and further strengthen India’s standing as a respected and trusted partner in the world.

Friends,

This is no coincidence; it is a powerful message—a message that the capabilities and aspirations of India’s youth are as limitless as space itself. There can be no greater inspiration for the nation than this.

Friends,

It is the result of the reform express that the country has boarded, which enables our youth to take such bold steps and succeed.

Friends,

Recently, a major oil refinery was dedicated to the nation in Rajasthan. A few weeks ago, the country’s third semiconductor plant was inaugurated. Just days ago, a green hydrogen-powered train was launched - a facility available in very few countries. But the hydrogen train India has dedicated to its citizens is the most powerful engine-driven and the longest in the world. This is the outcome of the dedication of India’s scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and workers, all working with a mission for the nation.

Friends,

We know well, and the world is concerned, that war-like situations keep arising. The war in West Asia has posed a major crisis for countries like India, dependent on others for energy. Petrol, diesel, LPG, fertilizers, chemicals - all faced disruptions. Yet, India continued to grow at 7.7 percent, becoming the fastest-growing major economy in the world. This reflects India’s strength and its determination to scale new heights with enthusiasm and energy. As the Monsoon Session begins, the country has picked up speed, and Parliament’s spirit can infuse new energy into this momentum. A positive spirit is essential to achieve national goals. Our House has many experienced parliamentarians, regardless of party, whose knowledge and wisdom are needed by Parliament and the nation. Therefore, Parliament must function, meaningful discussions must take place, and collective resolutions must be made to move the country forward. This is the demand of the times and the aspiration of the youth. Today, the demand is that voices filled with patriotism and national devotion find a proper platform in Parliament, to raise their voices and guide the nation. I am confident that where facts and logic prevail, there is no room for disruption. Strong arguments and strong facts allow voices to be raised calmly yet powerfully. I hope Parliament’s discussions are enriched with facts and logic, every voice gets an opportunity, and every idea receives respect. This is our role in Parliament. I invite all MPs to participate actively in this session. This morning, the Speaker also welcomed MPs through social media. I join my voice with his.

Thank you all very much.

Namaskar.