Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau today held extensive talks on key issues of counter-terrorism and extremism as well as ways to boost trade ties, after which the two sides inked six pacts, including on energy cooperation.
After their nearly two-hour long meeting, Modi, while addressing a joint media event with the Canadian prime minister, said they discussed the entire gamut of the bilateral partnership.
Asserting that it is important that the two countries work together to fight terrorism, Modi said there should be no place for those who misuse religion for political goals.
The prime minister also made it clear that those who challenge India's sovereignty and unity will not be tolerated.
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Modi's remarks come amidst criticism of the Trudeau government's soft approach towards the Khalistan issue.
"We discussed many issues including deference operation. Terrorism & extremism are a threat to countries like ours and to fight these elements it is important for us to come together," PM Modi said, adding "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."
Observing that Trudeau has visited various parts of India in last few days, Modi said the Canadian leader must have experienced the diversity of the country.
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On his part, Trudeau described India as a natural partner for commercial cooperation.
Trudeau on Friday inspected a guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Trudeau, along with his wife Sophie and children Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien.
Prime Minister Modi on Thursday took to Twitter and said, "I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries." (sic)
Trudeau, who is on a week-long visit to India accompanied with his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and three children -Ella-Grace, Xavier and Hadrien and a delegation of ministers, yesterday spent the day in the national capital.
After visiting Jama Masjid, Trudeau, along with his children, were seen having some leisure time as they played cricket with former Indian captains Kapil Dev and Mohammad Azharuddin.
Azharuddin and several others can be seen fielding while Kapil Dev bowls to Trudeau's son.
On Wednesday, the Trudeau family had visited Amritsar's Golden Temple, along with his wife and children before meeting the Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, where, the latter shared the concerns about militancy issue related to the separatist movement of Khalistan.
Earlier, Trudeau and his family also visited Agra, Ahmedabad and Mumbai. (ANI)
