The External Affairs Ministry today said that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India marks an important inflection point in relations between the two countries. Briefing the media in New Delhi on the official visit of the Canadian Prime Minister to India, Secretary (East) P. Kumaran said the visit witnessed substantial commercial outcomes as well, including in the areas of clean energy and fintech. He added that energy cooperation emerged as a defining pillar of this visit.

Mr. Kumaran said that the Canadian Prime Minister stressed the need for the early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). He said that over the past year, both countries have worked steadily to normalise relations.

Replying to a query on the situation regarding Iran and Israel, the Secretary (East) said Prime Minister Modi had a conversation late last night with the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. Mr Kumaran said the thrust of the discussions was about how they are all concerned about the escalating situation in Iran, how dialogue and diplomacy should be the norm to resolve all underlying issues, and how there should not be any targeting of civilians.

On being asked about work permits in Canada set to expire this year, Secretary (East) said it is natural for various countries to fix their own immigration targets, and India will be closely watching it. He pointed out that Canada would like to bring their non-permanent visa holders to roughly 5% of their overall population. He added that this is a sovereign issue and India will have to try to address the consequences in a way that protects its interests. He said there is some concern given that a large number of Indian nations will be affected. Mr Kumaran said New Delhi will continue to take these up through diplomatic channels and find a solution that is humane and sensitive.