Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will visit India next week, his maiden official trip to the country during which the two sides are expected to finalise a civil nuclear deal and ink a major economic treaty besides exploring ways to lower trade barriers.

The Conservative leader will pay a three-day visit to India from November 16 after participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Singapore, the Prime Minister's office said. This will be followed by a visit to China from December 2 to 6.

Harper, who will be accompanied by a high-powered delegation, will discuss bilateral issues with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

He is also expected to finalise a deal allowing Canadian firms to sell civilian nuclear technology to India and sign a Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement to safeguard investors' rights in the two countries, officials said.

Noting that "there is a tremendous amount of potential" in Canada's ties with India, Harper said in a statement, "We share a history of cooperation in the Commonwealth and the United Nations, as well as a shared commitment to pluralism, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

"Our goal is to build a stronger, more dynamic partnership based on shared commercial, political and regional interests," he said.

Singh and Harper are expected to use the trip to talk about a Canada-India Free Trade Agreement or smaller steps to lower trade barriers between the two countries.

Harper's visit follows 11 ministerial-level visits to India since 2006, S M Gavai, High Commissioner of India said.

... contd.