New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday spoke on the phone with Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand, during which the two sides agreed to take the defence ties to the next level and make defence an important pillar of the bilateral relationship.

In a tweet, the Raksha Mantri said that India welcomes Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, and they had excellent discussions on ways to develop bilateral defence ties.

Rajnath Singh also invited Canadian defence companies to invest and manufacture in India.

“Glad to speak with Canadian Defence Minister Ms @AnitaAnandMP.

“Welcomed Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Excellent discussion on ways to develop bilateral defence relations including industrial collaboration. Invited Canadian defence companies to invest & manufacture in India.”

The Canadian Defence Minister in a tweet said she had held productive talks with her Indian counterpart and that India will continue to be a strong partner for Canada.

“Today, I had a productive discussion with the Defence Minister of India, @RajnathSingh.

“Through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, we are increasing our presence in the region. Thanks to our people-to-people and trade ties, India will continue to be a strong partner for Canada.”

According to an official statement, the conversation between the two ministers was warm and cordial.

Both Ministers discussed ways to develop bilateral defence relations, which shall be reflective of their democratic ethos and a shared interest in the peace and security of the Indo-Pacific.

Anita Anand briefed the Raksha Mantri about Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and the importance attached to enhancing engagement with India.

Rajnath Singh welcomed the increased Canadian naval presence in the Indo-Pacific.

Both Ministers discussed potential areas of defence cooperation - from UN peacekeeping training to defence industrial cooperation, it said.

The Raksha Mantri highlighted that India is an attractive defence manufacturing destination with competitive land and labour costs and two defence industrial corridors.

He invited Canadian defence companies to invest in India and carry out co-production.

They would also find value in integrating Indian defence companies into their global supply chains.

Both ministers agreed to work on taking the defence relationship to next level and make defence an important pillar of the India-Canada bilateral relationship, it added.

(With UNI inputs)