India and Canada signed six agreements today, including one on energy cooperation, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau, five days after he and his family landed in India. At a joint statement, PM Modi said, "There should not be space for those who misuse religion for political motives and promote separatism." Trudeau's first visit to India has been clouded by talk of a frosty reception on account of the Canadian government's perceived soft approach to Sikh extremists demanding Khalistan.

Excerpts from PM Modi's statement:

-- Canada is an important destination for Indian students when it comes to higher education, more than 1 lakh 20 thousand of our students are there.

-- We renewed our MoU on higher education which will enhance the exchange in terms of higher education.

-- Terrorism and extremism are a threat to countries like ours and to fight these elements it is important for us to come together.

-- Your visit has been awaited since long. We are happy that you visited along with your family.

-- We have similar thoughts when it comes to the situation in North Korea & Maldives.

-- There should be no space for those who misuse religion for political motives and promote separatism. We will not tolerate those who challenge unity and integrity of our countries.


Image: PM Modi and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau at Hyderabad House where the bilateral talks were held.