India and Canada today concluded negotiations on operationalising the bilateral Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. The agreement was signed in 2010. This was announced at a joint press conference by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and the visiting Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper at Hyderabad House this evening. Three more pacts were inked after the talks. They include one agreement and two MoUs to strengthen cooperation in the areas of social security, information and communication technology and Defence cooperation in Research and Development.

Speaking after talks Prime Minister Manmohan Singh appreciated the progress made towards completing the modalities for operationlisation of civil nuclear agreement signed in Toronto.

The President Pranab Mukherjee today stressed the need for cooperation between India and Canada in the fields of energy, mineral resources, and infrastructure and food security. The Canadian Prime Minister, Mr. Stephen Harper today called on Mr. Mukherjee in New Delhi. In the meeting, the President said that both the countries share fundamental values as two inclusive democracies are wedded to federalism, pluralism, individual liberty and human rights. He also emphasised on encouraging more investments in the field of infrastructure from Canada. On this occasion, the Canadian Prime Minister welcomed the President’s views and said, there is a need to focus on few areas and deepen the engagement between the two countries.

India and Canada also exchanged several ideas for enhancing more cooperation in the field of sports. Visiting sports Minister of Canada, Mr. Bal Gosal called on Sports Minister Jitendra Singh in New Delhi. In the meeting Mr. Singh said that Canada can help India in the field of sports medicine and establishing infrastructure for Winter Sports. Mr. Gosal said that Canada is always willing to help India in extending cooperation in setting up Winter sports facilities.