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Joint statement by Prime Minister Narasimha Rao and 
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien


January 8, 1996
Ottawa, Ontario

At the close of their discussions in New Delhi on January 14, 1996, Prime Ministers Narasimha Rao and Jean Chrétien affirmed their commitment to revitalize the traditionally warm bilateral relationship between India and Canada. They shared a determination to provide a strong impetus for establishing close and broad-based cooperation between the two countries.

The two Prime Ministers stressed the value and mutual benefit for both countries of close and regular consultations on matter relating to the changing world situation. They agreed to expand the pace and scope of high level exchanges and bilateral consultations on the full range of political, economic, security, commercial, science, technology and social issues. They looked forward to further and regular ministerial, head-of-government and head-of-state visits.

The two Prime Ministers expressed confidence that the agreement signed on the Avoidance of Double Taxation, and the one on Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection in the process of finalization would enhance business activity between the two sides. They welcomed the conclusion of other memoranda of understanding, including those on cooperation in energy, telecommunications and surface transport.

The two leaders agreed that the ongoing economic reforms and liberalization in India provided vast opportunities for intensifying trade and investment between India and Canada. They noted that Canada's impressive capacities in power, transportation, telecommunications, environment and food-processing were well-matched to Indian needs, and indicated that every effort should be made by both sides to expand and facilitate business ventures. They also took note of the unique opportunities which the Canadian market offers to Indian exporters and the important investment opportunities which existed for India in Canada.

The two leaders commended the role of Canadians of Indian origin, whose dynamism has made an outstanding contribution to the prosperity and quality of life in their new home. They agreed that this large, diversified and vibrant community constituted an important and valuable bond of friendship between India and Canada.

The two leaders shared a common perspective on the importance of maintaining the unity of pluralistic states, based on the commitment of both India and Canada to strengthening democracy and respect for human rights, and the rich diversity of language, religion, culture and ethnicity of their two societies. The ideal of unity in diversity provides the best guarantee for stability, harmony and human rights in multicultural societies.

The two leaders were united in their determination to work together with the entire international community to combat terrorism in all its forms. They called upon all States that assist terrorists to renounce terrorism and to deny financial support, the use of their territory or any other means of support to terrorist organizations.

The two Prime Ministers underlined the importance of the United Nations and their continuing commitment to the principles and purposes of the Charter. They agreed that the United Nations needed to be rejuvenated, and that it required adequate resources to meet the challenges before it at this particular juncture. They also agreed on the need for comprehensive reform and modernization of the United Nations, including a more representative and transparent Security Council. The two leaders avowed that India and Canada would work to increase their cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral fora in their common effort to fortify these fora and contribute to international peace and security.

The two leaders agreed that special efforts should be made by all states in supporting the strengthening of the global disarmament and non-proliferation agenda. They recognized that both Canada and India share a longstanding and deep dedication to the ultimate objective of nuclear disarmament, and strongly encouraged efforts by the Conference on Disarmament in that regard.

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555


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