New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday spoke to his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly with a focus on possible areas of cooperation between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of growing global concern over China’s increasing military muscle-flexing in the region.
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The telephonic conversation came over two weeks after Canada came out with a comprehensive strategy for the Indo-Pacific that aimed to promote peace, resilience, and security while listing challenges emanating from China’s aggressive behaviour in the region.
“Good to talk to Canadian FM @melaniejoly. Spoke about enhancing our bilateral cooperation and promoting people-to-people ties. Also exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific and how Canada’s new strategy can contribute to our relationship,” Mr Jaishankar tweeted.
Good to talk to Canadian FM @melaniejoly. Spoke about enhancing our bilateral cooperation and promoting people to people ties. Also exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific and how Canada’s new strategy can contribute to our relationship.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 12, 2022
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Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy also listed India as a key player in the region and said Ottawa will focus on expanding economic engagement with New Delhi including through deeper trade and investment, as well as cooperating on building resilient supply chains “India’s strategic importance and leadership — both across the region and globally — will only increase as India, the world’s biggest democracy, becomes the most populous country in the world and continues to grow its economy,” the Canadian policy mentioned.
