INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday thanked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “for looking after Indian citizens in Canada in these difficult times.”

Modi tweeted that he had “a warm exchange” with Trudeau.

He said: “Collaboration and partnership between India and Canada is vital to fighting the pandemic including through medical research and supply chain management.”

Later, Trudeau issued a statement, saying he had spoken with Modi “to discuss the latest developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Modi offered his condolences to Canadians following the tragic shooting in Nova Scotia. Trudeau thanked Modi and highlighted the resilience and strength of Canadians.

The statement said: “The two leaders had an exchange on their respective efforts to fight the pandemic, protect the health and safety of their people, and provide economic support for their citizens. Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for India’s ongoing help to repatriate Canadians seeking to return home during this crisis and for India’s commitment to the continued export of key pharmaceutical products. They agreed to continue cooperating closely and noted the value of the important people-to-people ties between the two countries.

“The leaders highlighted the need for global coordination, including through the G20, on pandemic response and to stabilize the global economy. They spoke of the vital need to keep supply chains open for medical equipment and other critical supplies, as well as the need for increased international cooperation to accelerate the development of diagnostics, treatments, and potential vaccines.”

Trudeau noted: “COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving global challenge. The Government of Canada is working closely with local, provincial, territorial, and international partners to minimize its health, economic, and social impacts in Canada and around the world.”