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Joint declaration by Canada and India
January 18, 2005
The Prime Ministers of India and Canada met today, reviewing bilateral
relations and discussing important international and regional issues. They
agreed on initiatives that strengthen the India-Canada partnership and
contribute to addressing global challenges more effectively.
Prime Minister Martin extended his deepest condolences on behalf of the people
of Canada for the tragic loss of life and damage as a result of the tsunami of
26 December 2004. The Prime Ministers briefed each other on their respective
efforts in responding to the disaster and contributions to relief efforts in the
region. The two Leaders underlined the need for a strong and sustained
international response to such adversity and welcomed coordination of relief
efforts resulting from their participation in the Core Group. A multilateral
initiative for regional warning and natural disaster preparedness was recognized
by them as a priority.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh welcomed Prime Minister Martin's initiative for a
meeting of G20 Leaders to discuss issues of global concern, such as terrorism,
development and global public health.
They agreed to work towards the recommendations of the High-Level UN Panel on
Threats, Challenges and Change and reiterated their commitment towards
contributing to a more effective, representative and accountable world body.
Recent developments in their respective regions featured prominently in the
talks, notably the transition to democracy in Afghanistan, India's dialogue with
Pakistan, the situation in Iraq, and developments in South East Asia and the
Americas. They agreed that our countries should enhance their dialogues on
international, regional and global strategic issues.
The Prime Ministers undertook to build upon the substantial progress in the
bilateral partnership achieved during the last year and agreed to enhance the
architecture of the Canada-India partnership as follows:
Science and Technology (S&T) Initiative: Direct designated scientific
advisers on each side to report on advancing S&T collaboration, conclude an
inter-governmental S&T arrangement, and encourage strategic collaboration in
selected areas of science and industrial technologies. India and Canada agreed
to contribute expertise toward the creation of a tsunami early warning system
for the countries of the Indian Ocean, in concert with multilateral efforts.
Environment: Recognizing the importance of environmental management and
sustainable development, agreed to deepen environmental cooperation, including
the promotion of environmental friendly technologies.
Partnership for Prosperity: Support a CEO Roundtable that would make
recommendations for expanding economic ties; conclude an Investment Promotion
and Protection Agreement; and take additional steps contributing to greater
investment and trade, including trade missions.
People to People Links: Recognizing our shared community and common history as
natural assets, they agreed to enhance people to people links through improved
visa and consular services; strengthen health research co-operation; and renew
our commitment to promote cultural ties in both countries.
To achieve the goals set out in this Statement, the two Prime Ministers
committed themselves to sustained political engagement, a structured exchange of
visits at the Cabinet level and to promote dialogues between their
officials.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh accepted an invitation extended by Prime Minister
Martin to visit Canada.
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