Canadian PM to visit India in early Nov

NEW DELHI - Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will visit India next month, sources said Wednesday.

"The Canadian Prime Minister will arrive in India on Nov 3. During seven day tour, he will meet Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other officials. His visit is aimed at bolstering bilateral ties between the two countries," the sources said.

Harper, who will be accompanied by some ministers and businessmen, is to also visit iconic Taj Mahal in the northern Indian city of Agra and the southern city of Bangalore.

In his statement issued in Toronto, the Canadian prime minister has said: "Canada enjoys a strong working and personal relationship with India but we must further strengthen the links between our two countries."

He added: "India is a growing economy with enormous potential, and expanding our trade and investment links with India will create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in Canada."

Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper (L) meets with Narinder Chauhan, acting High Commissioner for India to Canada, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Oct, 23, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]