Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has described her recent trip to India as a component of Ottawa’s “systematic approach” to relations with New Delhi, emphasising that progress will advance gradually across multiple sectors.

Speaking via videoconference from Mumbai before leaving India, she said the visit was intended to “be the initial phase of a broader economic framework,” referring to the joint declaration the two nations released, reported Hindustan Times.

She clarified that while discussions on a free trade pact were not yet scheduled, “a free trade negotiation and process would augment already strong economic ties.”

During her time in Mumbai, Anand engaged with corporate leaders and financial groups, the report said. “I met with the business community in Mumbai today.

See Full Page