India, Dec. 14 -- The Canadian government has launched public consultations prior to the start of negotiations towards a free trade agreement with India, even as it stated that promoting trade and investment there "is a priority" for Ottawa.

In a release issued on Saturday by Global Affairs Canada, the country's foreign ministry, Canada's minister of international trade Maninder Sidhu announced the launch of the public consultations related to negotiations towards the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement or CEPA with India, and for trade pacts with the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and the South American bloc Mercosur.

"Canada is committed to building strong, diversified international partnerships that drive economic growth and...