Article Posted on : - Apr 18, 2017

A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): India and Canada will explore ways to deepen bilateral defence and security cooperation during Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan's seven- day visit here.

Sajjan will have wide-ranging talks with Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on a range of bilateral issues, particularly on ramping up defence and security ties.

"I look forward to my first trip to India since becoming Canada s Minister of National Defence. This visit will further strengthen Canada and India s bilateral defence cooperation, and expand our partnership in the security and defence sectors," he said, before leaving for India.

Sajjan, a Sikh, will also travel to Amritsar, Chandigarh and Mumbai.

In Punjab, Sajjan will visit the Golden Temple and civil society organisations, while in Chandigarh, he will inaugurate the new office of the Consulate-General of Canada.

In Mumbai, Minister Sajjan will visit the Mumbai Port, and meet several business and industry leaders.

Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel said there is untapped potential in further strengthen ties between India and Canada and Sajjan's visit provide the opportunity to delve on them.