NEW DELHI: Canada wants to sell nuclear reactors to India. Putting behind a troubled nuclear history with India, Canadian foreign minister John Baird said, “We have turned the page with India.
India is a very different country today.” With Canada emerging as an energy superpower, buoyed by a thriving economy, the minister said, “We value and welcome Indian investment in natural resources and energy.”Baird is in New Delhi to meet foreign minister S M Krishna and prepare for a November summit visit by Canadian PM Stephen Harper.
A nuclear deal between Canada and India signed in 2010 is yet to be operationalized, waiting for a follow-up end-user agreement. After meeting Baird on Wednesday, Krishna said, “We also look forward to early completion of negotiations on Appropriate Arrangements for the bilateral Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signed in 2010.”
Acknowledging that the agreement was “actively discussed”, Baird said, “We’re readying an end-user pact with India, same thing we have with 42 countries. We’re not asking for or imposing any additional obligations on India.”Canada is emerging as a favourite source for energy and resources for India. New Delhi wants to buy oil and gas from Canada especially after abundant oil finds from its tar sands. Baird said Canada was ready to supply oil and gas to India from its oilfields in the west as well as the east. India is trying to use Canada as a route to ship out US oil and gas as well.
The two nations are also working on a bilateral investment protection pact and a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. Baird said, “This is very important for Canadian firms and investors.”With separatist Khalistan activities growing in parts of Canada, both nations are teaming up to fight terrorism. Baird said, “Our political director has been here, meeting officials. Our two countries have the same end while fighting terrorism.” – TOI
