PM announces conclusion of negotiations on nuclear cooperation agreement between Canada and India

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada and India have concluded negotiations on a nuclear cooperation agreement.  The Prime Minister made the announcement during a meeting with Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, on the margins of the 2009 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

“This agreement is a testimony to the undeniable potential that Canada and India can offer each other and the world,” said the Prime Minister.  “Increased collaboration with India’s civilian nuclear energy market will allow Canadian companies to benefit from greater access to one of the world’s largest and fastest expanding economies.”

Canada and India will now take the necessary steps to prepare the agreement for final signature and implementation.

“Canada is committed to forging stronger trade, investment and educational ties with India,” added the Prime Minister.  “This agreement will allow Canadian firms to export and import controlled nuclear materials, equipment and technology to and from India.”

The Government of Canada has made a nuclear cooperation agreement with India a priority.  Canada’s nuclear-energy industry generates approximately $6.6 billion in annual revenue, $1.2 billion in exports each year and employs approximately 31,000 people.