PM Modi pitches for closer cooperation with Canada in nuclear energy

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday pitched for closer engagement between India and Canada in areas of trade and investment, nuclear energy, healthcare, infrastructure development and people-to-people contacts.

He made the observation while receiving Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird and Minister of International Trade Ed Fast here.

Baird, who is on a visit to India for the 2nd round of Strategic Dialogue, conveyed Canada's commitment to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership with India and extended an invitation to Modi on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper to visit Canada.

Ed Fast sought early conclusion of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between the two countries, a PMO statement said.

"The Prime Minister welcomed close cooperation between India and Canada and expressed satisfaction at comprehensive nature of bilateral ties, including in areas of economic cooperation, agriculture, security, civil nuclear energy, education, and science and technology," the statement said.

"The Prime Minister called for strengthening bilateral engagement in the areas of trade and investment, energy, healthcare, infrastructure development and people-to-people contacts," it said.

Modi thanked Baird for Harper's invitation and said he looked forward to visiting Canada at mutually-convenient date. He also said that he looked forward to meeting Harper at the G-20 Summit in Brisbane, Australia, in November.