Rajnath Singh Discusses Defense Relations With Canada

NEW DELHI – “Glad to speak with Canadian Defense Minister Ms. Anita Anand. Welcomed Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Excellent discussion on ways to develop bilateral defense relations including industrial collaboration. Invited Canadian defense companies to invest and manufacture in India,” Defense Minister Rajnath tweeted on April 19.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with Canadian Minister of National Defense Anita Anand on April 10. The conversation was warm and cordial, stated a release. Both ministers discussed ways to develop bilateral defense 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. Singh welcomed increased Canadian naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. Both Ministers discussed potential areas of defense cooperation, from UN peacekeeping training to defense industrial cooperation. The Raksha Mantri highlighted that India is an attractive defense manufacturing destination with competitive land and labor costs and two defense industrial corridors. He invited Canadian defense companies to invest in India and carry out co-production. They would also find value in integrating Indian defense companies into their global supply chains.

“Today, I had a productive discussion with the Defense Minister of India, Rajnath Singh. 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,” Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand wrote on Twitter.