Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condemned the terror attack on Canada’s Parliament Hill last year, dubbing it as an attack on democracy and also called for a UN resolution to fight such acts of terror.
“The parliament is a temple of democracy and any attack on the parliament is not just an attack on a building but on democracy. All those who believe in humanism should unite to fight against terrorism. There is a need for a UN resolution to fight terrorism,” said Prime Minister Modi at the agreement signing ceremony between India and Canada.
“”Terrorism has transcended borders. We have to unite to fight terrorism. Terrorism has no race or colour. If we have to fight terrorism then the world should be given a message under the umbrella of UN. We in India felt Canada’s pain when their city was struck by a senseless act of terrorism. ,” he added.
The Prime Minister further said that he is conscious of the significance of his visit to Canada.
“I pledge the highest importance to India’s relations with Canada. PM Harper’s vision and leadership changed the course of our relation, I’m conscious of significance of this visit,” he added.
The Prime Minister further announced the eligibility of Canadian citizens for a 10-year Indian Visa.
“We both recognize the peace and stability in West Asia will make us safer at home. Canadian citizens will now be eligible for a 10-year Indian Visa,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Ottawa yesterday, on the third and final leg of his three-nation, nine-day-long tour.
Defence Minister Jason Kenney, Minister of International Trade Ed Fast, Indian Ambassador to Canada Vishnu Prakash, Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Members of Parliament Patrick Brown, Royal Galipeau and Devinder Shory were present at the airport to welcome him.
Chief of Protocol of Canada, Angela Bogdan, and Canadian High Commissioner to India Nadir Patel were also present.
Prime Minister Modi’s trip to Canada is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 42 years.
Prime Minister Modi, who arrived here after concluding a successful visit to German, will also reach out to the Indian diaspora in Toronto and Vancouver. (ANI)