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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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