Canada India Foundation congratulates Prime Minister Stephen Harper and US
President Barack Obama on their India initiatives

TORONTO , Nov. 23 /CNW/ - Canada India Foundation issued a statement today congratulating Prime Minister Stephen Harper on his successful visit to India , which has paved the way for greater bi-lateral trade between the two countries in a number of sectors of mutual importance. "We envisage that the two MOU's regarding a comprehensive economic partnership and energy cooperation, that were signed by the two governments, will assist in advancing mutual engagement at both the bilateral and business to business levels, commented Manoj Pundit, Spokesperson for CIF.

Canada India Foundation also noted, with great appreciation, the fact that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the USA, starting today, is the first by a state visitor in US President Barack Obama 's year-old presidency. "The fact that the honor of being the first state visitor in the new President's term has been accorded to India , ahead of traditional European allies of the USA, is of great significance." remarked Mr. Ramesh Chotai , Chair of Canada India Foundation. He added, "The back-to-back events, first the visit by Canadian Prime Minister to India , and second the state visit by the Indian Prime Minister to USA, are a clear reflection of North America's recognition of India as a global power of the 21st century and its eagerness to follow-up on that recognition".

Canada India Foundation is the premier national, non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization established in 2007 to foster support for stronger bi-lateral relations between Canada and India ; to increase the awareness among Canadians about India and to increase the participation of Indo-Canadians in the public policy process in Canada . Its signature annual gala events of the past year have featured leaders such as Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper , former Indian President Abdul Kalam and Leader of the Opposition in Canada's Parliament, Michael Ignatieff. In 2008, CIF instituted the annual Chanchlani CIF Global Indian Award, carrying a cash award of $50,000 dedicated to a charity of the recipient's choice. In 2009, it hosted the first ever Forum on energy cooperation between Canada and India that attracted CEO's and senior policy makers from the energy sectors of Canada and India .

For further information: Manoj Pundit, Spokesperson, Canada India Foundation, [phone] or [email protected]