1.  The Royal Canadian Mint has released a special commemorative gold coin to celebrate Diwali - festival of lights - one of the biggest Indian festivals, as a tribute to the dynamic Indo-Canadian community.This is the first time that such an India themed coin has been issued by Canada.

2.  Canada is home to over 1.2 million people of Indian origin. One of the key objectives of the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Canada (14 to 16 April, 2015) was to deepen bilateral people-to-people relations. As announced by the Prime Minister, eTV (electronic travel visa) and 10 year multi-entry Tourist and Business Indian visas have since been made available to Canadian nationals. Air Canada is commencing direct flights between Toronto and New Delhi beginning 1st November, 2015.

3.  The High Commission of India welcomes the gesture of Royal Canadian Mint to release the commemorative coin.

4.  More details about the special Diwali gold coin and particulars of contact persons for sourcing it, may be seen in the attachment.

Ottawa,
08 September, 2015