Counter-terrorism an important part of cooperation, assures Canada
India has expressed concerns relating to alleged activities by pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, and possibility of radical elements misusing opportunities in that country. During the second strategic dialogue between India and Canada, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj raised the issue of ‘threat of incitement’ for Khalistan related activities with the visiting Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird. Baird assured Swaraj that his country takes these threats by radical elements very seriously while adding counter-terrorism was an important part of the Indo-Canadan cooperation.
Recalling the bombing of the Montreal-New Delhi Air India Kanishka flight by terrorists about 25 years ago, Baird shared that he lost his classmate in that crash. The air crash had killed all 329 people on board including 268 Canadian citizens, 27 Britons, and 24 Indians. Baird said his country has come a long way in acting against terrorists since then.
“He acknowledged our concerns in terms of radical elements perhaps misusing opportunities available in Canada,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said. With Canada India uses all opportunities to discuss its concerns relating to alleged pro-Khalistan activities from its soil. In fact, the Deputy National Security Adviser of India recently held talks with his Canadian counterpart on sharing information on activities detrimental for India.
The two sides also discussed partnership on hydrocarbons and nuclear energy. India is looking at Canada as a reliable and a long-term supplier of hydrocarbons, especially from the Eastern coast where there is a possibility of producing about seven million barrel per day by 2020.
“We see natural synergy and tremendous potential for a deepening engagement in several critical areas of mutual interest, including energy, education, skill development, trade and investment, nuclear cooperation, to name a few,” Swaraj said. While saying improved relations with India is a priority for Canada, Baird felt that these were exciting times for both to engage and enhance partnership. Canada has expressed support for the Indian membership for the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group.
On nuclear energy commercial discussions are on between CAMECO of Canada and the Department of Atomic Energy of India for sourcing Uranium for Indian nuclear reactors. India and Canada both have Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) aiming at 750 MW capacity and the two are looking at working together on this.
India and Canada are also keen to pursue research and development cooperation in nuclear power plants. There is also scope for skilling activities for Indians in the areas of hydrocarbon, welding process, water related activities like cleaning of rivers etc. There were also discussions of easing of visa norms for Indian IT professionals by Canada. Both sides felt that the trade relationship needed to be boosted as it did not reflect the full potential as India's trade figures of $5billion was way below the target of $15 billion. India suggested Canada to use the opportunity provided by the new Government to expand its investment activities.