Indian PM Modi’s Visit To Canada Next Month To Include Stops In Toronto, Ottawa And Vancouver

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Supporters And Protestors Gearing Up To Give Modi A Loud Welcome!

OTTAWA – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Canada in April will include stops in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver, where he is expected to be greeted both with huge cheers and big jeers and protests.

Modi will land in Toronto on April 14 and then head to Ottawa followed by Vancouver during his trip which is expected to last three days from April 14-16.

In announcing the visit Prime Minister Stephen Harper met with Vishnu Prakash, India’s High Commissioner Designate to Canada this week. The PMO said the visit is an opportunity to broaden Canada and India’s already close relationship.

“Canada and India enjoy a close friendship based on shared values of democracy, pluralism and a mutual interest in expanding trade. India’s growing economy presents enormous opportunities for Canada and I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Modi to further strengthen bilateral relations and expand our trade and investment ties with a view to benefiting citizens of both countries,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said.

The two leaders are scheduled to discuss increased co-operation in “the fields of science and technology, innovation, education, security, counterterrorism and energy,” the announcement says.

This is the first bilateral visit from a sitting Indian prime minister since 1973.

Quick Facts

*Canada and India have long-standing and positive bilateral relations based on shared values of democracy, pluralism and a mutual interest in expanding trade.

*India is Canada’s largest trading partner in South Asia and continues to be a priority market under Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan.

*With bilateral merchandise trade totalling nearly $6.33 billion in 2014, a market of more than 1.2 billion people, and a predicted economic growth of 6.4 per cent in 2015, India represents exciting opportunities for Canadian businesses.

*Prime Minister Harper first met Prime Minister Modi on the margins of the G‑20 Summit in Australia in November 2014. Prime Minister Harper also visited India in November 2012 and November 2009.