New -Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday agreed to revive the stationary trade conversations between the two countries. The two leaders have met for the first time since Carney took office after the recent election in Canada. The meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, was a step towards the recovery of a relationship that was a few months of diplomatic cold. Both parties emphasize the need to resume and continue negotiations on the early progress trading agreement (EPTA) for the purpose of concluding a broader comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), according to a person’s office issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Modi and Carney confirmed their dedication to shared democratic values and sovereignty, and agreed to restore the normal diplomatic presence, including the early return of high commissioners in each other’s capitals, according to the PMO statement. They also emphasized the need to restore senior ministerial and work level commitments to build trust and momentum, the PMO said in the statement. The leaders discussed the expansion of cooperation in areas such as clean energy, critical minerals, LNG, artificial intelligence, higher education, food security, mobility and digital transformation. Both leaders repeated support for a free and open Indo-Pacific and recognized the progress made at the G7 on global issues, including climate action and sustainable growth. Relations in India-Canada took a sharp downturn in 2023 after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of being involved in the murder of a Khalistani eparatis. India rejected the allegations as politically motivated and the Canadian diplomats, who asked Ottawa’s reciprocal action. Bilateral tires frozen, trade conversations were interrupted, and visa services were briefly suspended. The recent meeting between Premier Modi and the new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney gives an indication of the first steps to thaw the tense relationship. With a separate joint press briefing with the president of Cyprus, Premier Modi Modi drew parallels between India’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision and Cyprus’s “Vision 2035” and asked for a five-year road map to deepen the bilateral ties. The two countries have agreed to strengthen the collaboration of the defensive industry, begin cyber and maritime security dialogues, and set up a real-time information exchange mechanism to combat terrorism and borderline crimes. India-EU FTA, meanwhile, has reiterated in a joint press briefing with the president of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides that the India-EU FTA would be concluded by the end of this year. He made a similar statement during his Cyprus visit on June 16 before the G7 summit. Cyprus also confirmed its support for India’s bid for permanent membership in a Reformed UN Security Council and agreed to improve collaboration in defense, cyber and maritime security, as well as to set up a mechanism for real-time intelligence part to counter terrorism, drug trafficking and weapons meeting. Modi said initiatives such as India-Cyprus-Greece Business and Investment Council and new mobility and air connection arrangements will help deepen economic links with the Mediterranean.
India, Canada to revive trade conversations as Modi Carney meets at G7; EU-free trading treaty probably by the end of the year | Today news
