On the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2019, former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who visited India for an international summit, had a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.
According to the Indian prime minister office (PMO), during the course of the meeting, Harper gave Modi a copy of his recent new book, where both leaders strolled around some ceremonial gardens and then headed towards the discussion over “co-operation among democracies”.
According to Canadian news reports, the warm visit to India and healthy talks between both leaders came 10 months after a “catastrophic” India visit by acting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The two leaders discussed and exchanged their views over the developments in Canada-India relations, cooperation among democracies, and global trend.
In a tweet, India PMO wrote: “Former PM of Canada, Mr. @stephenharper met Prime Minister @narendramodi. The two leaders exchanged views on developments in India-Canada relations, main global trends, and cooperation among democracies.”
Former PM of Canada, Mr. @stephenharper met Prime Minister @narendramodi.
The two leaders exchanged views on developments in India-Canada relations, main global trends and cooperation among democracies. pic.twitter.com/E9be3actt6
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 8, 2019
Also, before the inauguration of the Raisina Dialogue, Modi has held a discussion with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, where Solberg announced the inaugural address.
Modi tweeted: “My discussions with PM @erna_solberg revolved around fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals, boost economic times, aspects of the ocean economy and deepening cultural ties. India and Norway look forward to cooperating on a wide range of issues, for the benefit of our citizens.”
My discussions with PM @erna_solberg revolved around fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals, boost economic times, aspects of the ocean economy and deepening cultural ties. India and Norway look forward to cooperating on a wide range of issues, for the benefit of our citizens. pic.twitter.com/UXOiYWjwod
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2019
According to Canadian reports, after the meeting ended on Tuesday, Harper, while tweeting, called Modi “the most significant leader of India since Independence”.
Harper tweeted: “The most significant leader of India since Independence, my friend @narendramodi is shaping every conversation on geopolitics & the global economy. For India to realize its potential, it needs the courageous & visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Proud to stand with him.”
The most significant leader of India since Independence, my friend @narendramodi is shaping every conversation on geopolitics & the global economy. For India to realize its potential, it needs the courageous & visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Proud to stand with him. https://t.co/2fTOKX4uAS
— Stephen Harper (@stephenharper) January 8, 2019
Harper also met with India’s external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, where he tweeted: “From Opposition Leader to External Affairs Minister, I have long admired @SushmaSwaraj. She is a true champion for India on the world stage, and a real asset of @NarendraModi’s cabinet.”
From Opposition Leader to External Affairs Minister, I have long admired @SushmaSwaraj. She is a true champion for India on the world stage, and a real asset of @NarendraModi’s cabinet. #RaisinaDialogue @orfonline #Raisina2019 pic.twitter.com/c5h2ruLr56
— Stephen Harper (@stephenharper) January 8, 2019