Harper paid India the official visit Nov 15-18, at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

During his visit, Harper called on the President of India, Pratibha Patil, and the Vice President of India, Mohammad Hamid Ansari.

The Leader of the Opposition, L.K. Advani, and External Affairs Minister, S.M. Krishna, called on Harper.

In their discussions, the two prime ministers reviewed bilateral relations between India and Canada and discussed regional and global issues of shared interest.

The prime ministers noted the depth and dynamism of the relationship between the two countries which is marked by common values and shared traditions of democracy, the rule of law and pluralism.

The two leaders recognized the contribution of the Indian-origin community in Canada in further strengthening the bilateral bonds between the societies of India and Canada.

They agreed on the importance of working collaboratively towards global economic recovery, building international efforts in advance of the G-20 meeting that Canada will host in 2010. Harper said he looked forward to welcoming Singh to Canada on this occasion in June 2010.

They also discussed approaches to address climate change with attention to the upcoming negotiations in Copenhagen. The two leaders agreed on the importance of moving forward constructively on the WTO Doha Round negotiations.

While on their visit Harper and his wife Laureen paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. They also toured the Golden Temple, Sikhism's holiest site, and BAPS Akshardham Swaminarayan Temple.

Earlier in Mumbai the Harpers also got a glimpse into tinseltown, and presented a prototype of the Olympic torch to Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, who will be one of the torchbearers running in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.