Singh invites Canadian defence companies to invest in India & carry out co-production

New Delhi, Apr 21: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand on Wednesday (Apr 19). The conversation was warm and cordial, stated a release.

Both ministers discussed ways to develop bilateral defence relations, which shall be reflective of their democratic ethos and a shared interest in the peace and security of the Indo-Pacific, the media release said. Anita Anand briefed the Raksha Mantri about Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy and the importance attached to enhancing engagement with India. Singh welcomed increased Canadian naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. Both Ministers discussed potential areas of defence cooperation, from UN peacekeeping training to defence industrial cooperation.

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Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh highlighted that India is an attractive defence manufacturing destination with competitive land and labour costs and two defence industrial corridors. He invited Canadian defence companies to invest in India and carry out co-production. They would also find value in integrating Indian defence companies into their global supply chains. Both ministers agreed to work on taking the defence relationship to next level and make defence an important pillar of the India-Canada bilateral relationship.

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"Glad to speak with Canadian Defence Minister Ms Anita Anand. Welcomed Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy. Excellent discussion on ways to develop the bilateral defence relations including industrial collaboration. Invited Canadian defence companies to invest and manufacture in India," Defence Minister Rajnath tweeted on Wednesday (Apr 19).