Gandhinagar: Cameron Mackay, Canada's High Commissioner to India, Thursday expressed optimism regarding the robust alignment of strategic interests between India and Canada, despite recent diplomatic tensions, according to a report in the media.

During a seminar on 'India-Canada Business: The Way Forward' at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Mackay underscored the significance of the bilateral trade and investment relationship.

He commended the annual gathering of investors as a platform to enhance business and people-to-people connections.

While acknowledging historical tensions, Mackay emphasized the leadership and vision exhibited by the business community present at the seminar.

He encouraged both governments and the business sector to concentrate on trade and investment, emphasizing their potential to facilitate job creation, technology partnerships, and shared prosperity.

In recent months, there have been some tensions between our two nations, and this is not a hidden fact, he said.

Mackay said amid the situation he finds encouragement in the leadership and vision demonstrated by the business community, both at the event and beyond, to continue fostering the trade and investment relationship that serves the interests of both our countries, according to the report.

He advised his government and the Indian government and business community on both sides to do what they are doing, do diplomacy, but everyone is aware that Canada and India’s long-term strategic interests are perfectly aligned, he added.

According to Mackay, the diplomatic dispute has not had any adverse impact on the business ties between India and Canada.

He highlighted that there are over 100 Indian companies with investments in Canada, and conversely, more than 600 Canadian companies are actively operating in India. He also mentioned his visit to the McCain plant in Gujarat.