PM Stephen Harper meets with PM Manmohan Singh
Nov. 24th, 2007

Reflecting the diverse nature of Canada-India relations, Prime Minister Harper and Prime Minister Singh had a warm discussion of a broad range of issues. Both leaders expressed pleasure at the opportunity to meet and Prime Minister Harper extended an invitation to the Indian Prime Minister to visit Canada, which the latter said he would be delighted to accept given his personal links to Canada, including a university scholarship in his name.

Leaders reaffirmed the strong trade and investment relationship India and Canada enjoy, recognising that there is unrealised potential, and discussed the opportunities in a relationship which has developed from close links forged immediately after Independence.

Prime Minister Harper recognized India’s extensive involvement in development and reconstruction in Afghanistan as a complement to Canada’s extensive involvement. Prime Minister Singh underscored their long term commitment to bringing about transformational change in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Harper encouraged India to play an active and constructive role on Burma and Prime Minister Singh confirmed that India is joined with the international community in promoting democratic change in Burma, engagement with leaders, notably Aung San Suu Kyi.

Prime Minister Harper offered Prime Minister Singh congratulations on Indian High Commissioner Sharma’s confirmation as Commonwealth Secretary-General, succeeding New Zealand’s Don McKinnon.