New Delhi:  Melanie Joly, the Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister, will commence her India visit on Monday in a bid to deepen bilateral ties and foster stronger partnerships with the South Asian nation.

As per a release issued by the  Government of Canada, "She will build on the two countries’ shared tradition of democracy and pluralism, a common commitment to a rules-based international system and multilateralism, mutual interest in expanding our commercial relationship and strengthening our extensive and growing people-to-people connections."

In Delhi, Minister Joly will meet with her Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, to advance Canada’s engagement with India under the Indo-Pacific Strategy, and create opportunities for growth and prosperity for the two countries.

"Both ministers will identify areas where Canadian and Indian interests converge and where the two countries could further collaborate on global and regional issues, especially as India holds the presidency of the G20 this year," read the statement.

Minister Joly will also engage with key stakeholders in India’s business and civil society communities regarding Canada’s robust agenda with India under the IPS.

"She will seek to generate momentum for a stronger, more open and more prosperous partnership between Canada and the Indo-Pacific region that firmly supports regional peace, stability and the rules-based international order," read the statement.

Mélanie Joly said: "Simply put: the rise of the Indo-Pacific can create extraordinary local benefits, as well as opportunities for prosperity, economic growth and better paying jobs across Canada. From Cleantech to critical minerals and education programs, there is a demand in India for what Canadians make, and grow, and the services we provide. I look forward to my first official visit to India in order to strengthen our engagement, which is paramount to our Indo-Pacific Strategy.”

(Reporting by Suman Das)