Johannesburg, Nov 23 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a bilateral discussion with Mark Carney, Canada's Prime Minister, during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Sunday. During this meeting, he highlighted India's goal of achieving 50 billion USD in bilateral trade with Canada by the year 2030.

“I had a constructive meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada. We acknowledged the substantial progress in our bilateral relations since our previous discussion at the G7 Summit held in Canada. We are committed to further enhancing our cooperation in the upcoming months,” PM Modi shared on X.

The Prime Minister emphasized the enormous potential for strengthening trade and investment connections between India and Canada.

“We have established a target of 50 billion USD by 2030 for our bilateral trade. Canadian Pension Funds are demonstrating a strong interest in Indian enterprises,” PM Modi revealed on X.

He also noted that both nations are poised to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in the defence and space sectors and plan to reconvene in the near future.

Present at the meeting were External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, and other officials.

On Saturday, PM Modi announced the inception of a new trilateral initiative, the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership, alongside his Australian and Canadian counterparts, Anthony Albanese and Mark Carney, in Johannesburg. PM Modi stated that this partnership aims to deepen cooperation among the three democratic nations in essential domains of technology and innovation.

In a statement made on X, PM Modi expressed, "We are thrilled to announce the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation Partnership today!" He continued, "This initiative will enhance collaboration among democratic partners across three continents focusing on emerging technologies, supply chain diversification, clean energy, and the widespread adoption of AI. We eagerly anticipate collaborating to create a brighter future for the next generations."

Earlier this month, EAM Jaishankar had discussions with his Canadian counterpart, Anand, during the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Niagara, expressing optimism for rebuilding a more robust partnership. During this meeting, he commended the advancements made under the New Roadmap 2025, which aims to fortify bilateral ties between India and Canada.

"I was pleased to meet with FM Anita Anand of Canada today. I congratulated her on hosting the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting and appreciated our progress in implementing the New Roadmap 2025. I look forward to further strengthening our bilateral partnership," EAM Jaishankar had posted on X.

On October 13, EAM Jaishankar and Anand discussed measures to "restore and reinvigorate" necessary mechanisms to advance their bilateral partnership. They recognized that amidst ongoing global economic uncertainties and rising geopolitical tensions, a robust India-Canada relationship is essential.

A joint statement released after their discussions indicated a mutual consensus on a 'New Roadmap' for India-Canada relations, emphasizing the importance of shared democratic values, rule of law, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"Revitalizing this partnership will not only facilitate enhanced economic cooperation but also help address vulnerabilities stemming from shifting global alliances, ensure more reliable supply chains, and reinforce strategic stability in an increasingly complex global landscape," it stated.

Earlier in June, PM Modi had a vital meeting with Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, aimed at reviving strained relations. This renewed engagement was subsequently followed by the appointment of new High Commissioners — Christopher Cooter as Canada's envoy to New Delhi and Dinesh K Patnaik as India's High Commissioner to Ottawa.