New Delhi/IBNS:  External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held discussions to deepen the bilateral partnership with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly during the latter's visit to India.

They also exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific and the Ukraine conflict.

In a series of tweets, Jaishankar said: “Good discussions today with FM @melaniejoly of Canada. Deliberated on deepening our bilateral partnership, focusing on trade, investment, mobility, education and security. Recognized the centrality of people-to-people ties to the expansion of our cooperation."

They exchanged views on the global situation, in particular the Indo-Pacific and Ukraine conflict. Welcomed Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

“Appreciated Canadian support for our G20 Presidency that will address challenges of economic growth and development,” he wrote.

An official statement said that Jaishankar and Mélanie Joly, co-chaired the India-Canada Strategic Dialogue, during the latter’s ongoing visit to India.

“Both Ministers reviewed the progress in bilateral relations, which are anchored in shared democratic values, growing economic linkages, security cooperation, mobility of students and professionals, and strong people-to-people ties.

“Both sides expressed interest in deepening collaboration across domains and look forward to the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA)," the statement said.

India welcomed the announcement of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, given the shared vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Both ministers exchanged views on India’s priorities during its ongoing Presidency of G20 and agreed to work together to ensure its success.

“The Ministers also had the opportunity to deliberate on contemporary regional, global, and multilateral issues including developments in India’s neighbourhood, Ukraine, and cooperation in the United Nations.

“The meeting was a meaningful dialogue in which both sides strengthened their commitment to deepen bilateral ties.”

Both sides are negotiating the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA), which according to reports is likely to be inked during Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to India in September for the G20 leaders’ summit.

Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian foreign ministry, in a statement had said ahead of Minister Joly’s India visit: “Because of its strategic, economic and demographic importance in the world, India is a critical partner in Canada’s pursuit of its objectives under our Indo-Pacific strategy (IPS) and on the global stage. “

Joly is visiting Delhi from Feb 6-7 to deepen bilateral ties and foster stronger partnerships.

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.