The two sides reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation at the Foreign Office Consultations

India and Canada have agreed to take steps to enhance the depth and momentum of engagement, which would be to mutual benefit for the two sides.

During the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in virtual mode on Wednesday, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of ongoing bilateral cooperation under the framework of the India-Canada Strategic Partnership.

The partnership is based on a shared commitment to democratic values, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law, the MEA said providing information about the meeting through a press release.

Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs Riva Ganguly Das and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs at Global Affairs Canada Marta Morgan co-chaired the FOC.

They welcomed forthcoming bilateral dialogues and meetings of various Working Groups which will enable both countries to give a fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation.

The co-chairs took stock of bilateral trade and investment, cooperation in energy, science and technology, education, counter-terrorism as well as consular matters, the MEA said.

Both sides noted with appreciation their cooperation on COVID-19 related issues, including repatriation of their respective nationals, supply of medicines and 500,000 doses of India-made COVISHIELD vaccines to Canada.

India and Canada have agreed to hold the next consultations in a physical format at a mutually convenient date.