Vancouver: Speaking at the reception he hosted in honour of his Indian counterpart, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper recalled the contribution made by the Indian community towards building a prosperous Canada.
“It was here (Vancouver) that Indian community set up home more than 100 yrs ago. In 1893 Swami Vivekananda arrived here, since then hundreds and thousands of people of Indian origin have made contributions to Canada,” he said.
“Tremendous contribution of Canadians of Indian origin, they have helped build a stronger, better and prosperous Canada,” Harper stressed.
On India-Canda relations, Harper said that federalism and pluralism democracy are the commonalities and strengths of both the countries.
Recalling that his second trip to India was the longest trip any Canadian PM has made anywhere in the world, Harper said, “We have worked ever more closely on issues of global security. Make no mistake, Canadian government overwhelmingly support and will stand by the unity and the strength of India in the World.”
In his remarks, PM Modi said, “It is not a historical visit because an Indian PM has come here after 42 years. But because even after these 42 years the interval just melted away in a moment.”
“Although India and Canada have so much in common, we were not in each other's thoughts for so many years. But today it is my belief, not only we will be present in each other's thoughts, but also in our endeavors we will work together,” he added.
