New Delhi, March 14: Days after India and Canada agreed to re-launch negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement, the two sides on Monday held Foreign Office Consultations during which they agreed to work to renew the momentum in ties and convene meetings of bilateral dialogues and working groups. The Indian delegation was led by Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs. The Canadian delegation was led by Marta Morgan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Global Affairs Canada. The last FOCs were held in March 2021 in a virtual mode. The discussions were cordial and friendly. Both sides reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation in domains such as political, security, trade & investment, education, science & technology, consular and mobility. The FOCs also provided a timely opportunity to exchange assessment on regional, multilateral and global issues of mutual interest. Both sides agreed to continue their productive consultations. The next FOCs will be held in Ottawa on a mutually convenient date. On Friday, India and Canada agreed to re-launch negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, during the meeting in New Delhi between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and visiting Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng. Ties between both countries had gone on a downslide following Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s botched visit in 2018, and his government’s open hobnobbing with Khalistani elements. Trudeau had also voiced support for the farmer’s agitation, which had not gone down well with the Indian government. (UNI)
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