INDIA’S Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday in a telephonic conversation with Canada’s National Defence Minister Anita Anand discussed ways to develop bilateral defence relations, which would be “reflective of their democratic ethos and a shared interest in the peace and security of the Indo-Pacific (region),” according to an Indian Defence Ministry statement.

Anand briefed Singh 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 region. The ministers discussed potential areas of defence cooperation from UN peacekeeping training to defence industrial cooperation.

Singh pointed out 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 in their global supply chains.

Both ministers agreed to work on taking the defence relationship to the next level and make defence an important pillar of India-Canada bilateral relationship.

Anand tweeted: “Thanks to our people-to-people and trade ties, India will continue to be a strong partner for Canada.”