Backgrounder

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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The Year of India in Canada 2011

March 4, 2011
Gatineau, Quebec

March 4th marks the inaugural launch of the Year of India in Canada 2011, which aims to highlight India's culture, traditions and diversity and celebrate the contributions of the Indian Diaspora to Canadian society.

Organized by the High Commission of India in Ottawa, the Year of India will feature a number of cultural and artistic events across the country. These will include dance, musical and theatrical performances, as well as literary gatherings, book fairs, business meetings and children's events. Festivities will give Canadians the opportunity to learn about Indian culture, taste Indian cuisine and gather information about travelling to India.

The Year was first announced during a visit to India by Prime Minister Harper in November 2009.

Canada-India relations

Canada and India have a relationship based on shared values of democracy and pluralism and a mutual interest in expanding trade. In recent years, Canada has sought to cultivate this growing partnership through increasing government-to-government ties. Twenty Canadian ministers have visited India since 2006, including an official delegation led by Prime Minister Harper in November 2009. The prime ministerial visit was reciprocated by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in June 2010 – the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Canada since 1973.

Canada and India are broadening bilateral relations across a wide range of sectors, including education, energy, science and technology, culture, agriculture and the environment. To this end, Canada and India have concluded a Science and Technology (S&T) Cooperation Agreement and Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. We are negotiating a Social Security Agreement, a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Furthermore, in 2009, Canada opened trade offices in Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad, raising the total number of Canadian missions in India to eight and creating one of our largest networks abroad.

Canada and India enjoy strong people-to-people links through a diaspora community of nearly one million Canadians of Indian heritage. On June 9 and 10, 2011, the regional Pravasi Bhartiva Divas ("Day of Overseas Indians") conference in Toronto will provide a unique opportunity for the Indian Diaspora to come together and discuss their role in advancing connections between the two countries.

Increasing ties between Canadian and Indian colleges and universities have also played a significant role in building bridges between future decision makers in both countries. Currently, there are over 100 bilateral agreements between Canadian and Indian higher learning institutions. Furthermore, over 12,000 student visas were issued to Indian students seeking to pursue their post-secondary education in Canada – three times the number issued in 2008.

In terms of multilateral engagement, Canada and India have been partners in the response to the global financial crisis and economic downturn. From the outset of the G-20 Leaders Summits, and especially at the successful Toronto G-20 Summit in June 2010, our Government has continued to work with India to ensure a durable recovery and to develop growth models that benefit both countries. Both countries have co chaired the G-20 Working Group on Enhancing Sound Regulation and Strengthening Transparency, and the Working Group on the G-20 Framework for Strong, Sustainable and Balanced Growth.

Trade & Investment

Merchandise trade between Canada and India totalled approximately $4.2 billion in 2010, a 46 per cent increase from 2005. Exports increased by nearly 92 per cent in the same period. In 2010, Canada's main export products were vegetables (mostly peas and lentils); fertilizers; paper and paperboard; and machinery. Imports from India for the same year were valued at $2.1 billion, and principal imports were of organic chemicals; precious stones and metals (primarily diamonds); knit apparel; and woven apparel.

According to Statistics Canada, two-way foreign direct investment between Canada and India reached record levels in 2009, standing at $3.6 billion. The stock of foreign direct investment in Canada from India totalled nearly $3.0 billion. Recent major investments by Indian companies in Canada could increase this figure. The stock of Canadian foreign direct investment in India stood at $601 million in 2009.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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