Our strategic interests aligned, business ties unaffected, says Canada envoy

Amid the ongoing tensions, Canada's High Commissioner to India Cameron Mackay on Thursday said the strategic interests of both the nations are "absolutely aligned".

While speaking at a seminar on 'India-Canada Business: The Way Forward' in Gujarat, Mackay said it was a great platform " to reassert our business to business and people to people ties."

India-Canada tensions escalated after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegation of India's suspected involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has denied the allegations as absurd.

Mackay said that the tensions between both the nations are no longer a secret but he is encouraged by the leadership and vision of business community to continue with trade and investment relationship which is in interest of both of the nations.

The business-to-business ties will support job creation, technology partnership and prosperity of both the countries, he added.

"My advice to my government and that to the Indian government and business community on both sides is to let the governments do what they are doing, let the government do diplomacy but everyone knows that in the long term, Canada's strategic interest and India's strategic interest are absolutely aligned," the high commissioner was quoted by PTI.

He also stressed to work together to make nations friendly again.

Business relations between the two countries have remained unaffected by the diplomatic row, Mackay said. "Over 100 Indian companies have invested in Canada and over 600 Canadian companies are present in India. Yesterday, I visited the McCain plant here in Gujarat," he said.