Prime Minister Narendra Modi inks 13 agreements with Canada, including a pact on space cooperation

NEW DELHI: India has inked a deal with Canada for supply of uranium for its nuclear reactors during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, capping negotiations on safeguards that started five years ago. Modi himself made the announcement following talks with Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper. Under an agreement signed on Wednesday, after comprehensive talks Modi had with Harper, Cameco Corporation will supply 3,000 metric tonnes of uranium over five years to India for $254 million. The supply may begin in a year.

"The agreement on procurement of uranium from Canada for our civilian nuclear power plants launches a new era of bilateral nuclear cooperation," said Modi in his joint presser with Harper. This was the highlight of total 13 pacts that the two countries signed that also included a pact on space cooperation. "It also reflects a new level of mutual trust and confidence. Further, it will contribute to India's efforts to power its growth with clean energy," Modi said. Modi and Harper also resolved to fight terror jointly. "We in India felt Canada's pain when this city was struck by a senseless act of terrorism... We will deepen our cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism. We will also promote a comprehensive global strategy, and consistent policy and action against all sources of terrorism and its support," said Modi.

The two countries also decided to strengthen defence and security cooperation and decided to cooperate to stabilise the Asia Pacific region. Modi also announced Electronic Visa Authorisation for tourist visa for Canadian nationals. They will also be eligible for 10-year visas now. The two countries also agreed for new framework for economic partnership.

"I am confident that we can conclude the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement very soon. We will also implement the road map to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Co-operation Agreement by September 2015," the PM said on deepening economic cooperation. India and Canada had signed a civil nuclear cooperation deal in 2010. It was followed by the signing of an administrative arrangement in 2012 under the Manmohan Singh government.