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India and Canada agree to deepen coop.

NEW DELHI, Feb 23 (KUNA) -- India and Canada on Friday agreed to deepen cooperation in a number of areas following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau in New Delhi.
In a joint press conference with Trudeau, who arrived here on a seven-day visit earlier this week accompanied by his family and a high level delegation comprising ministers and businessmen, Modi said that he held intensive talks with the Canadian prime minister on a number of issues of mutual concern.
Enhancing mutual partnership, fight terrorism and extremism, bilateral trade and energy were on the top of the list in the talks.
"There should be no space for those who misuse religion for political motives and promote separatism. We will not tolerate those who challenge unity and integrity of our countries," Modi stated amid growing displeasure over the soft approach of Trudeau government towards separatists from mainly India's Sikh diaspora community demanding a separate nation for them in Khalistan.
Modi also expressed his government's desire to deeper understanding in the energy sector with Canada. "Canada is an energy super power and it can help us in our growing energy needs. We have decided to expand our energy dialogue and prepare a strategy for future," Modi said.
On his part, the Canadian prime minister said that, "India is a natural partner and a trusted friend for commercial cooperation", adding, "Canada looks to diversify its own economy and looks for new opportunities to do business beyond its boundaries." In a press release, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said six agreements were signed on the sidelines of the bilateral talks between Indian and Canadian leaderships.
The agreements are meant to deepen cooperation in the fields of information communications technology and electronics, petroleum and natural gas, sport, intellectual property rights, higher education, science technology and innovation.
Trudeau is scheduled to meet President Ram Nath Kovind and already held extensive talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to explore ways to deepen trade ties. (end) atk.mt