As a child, Jean Chretien he wanted to become an architect while his father wanted to get him into politics. "I joined politics and here I am today before you as Prime Minister of Canada," he said.

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He appreciated French designer Le Corbusier's work in designing the city of Chandigarh. "This is a masterpiece in the field of architecture," he said.

Stressing that India can play a "positive leadership" role in helping to build a strong and secure South Asia, Chretien said his country was committed to build a prosperous relationship between the two countries and identified certain key areas that could help in strengthening ties.

"We see India as the economic engine driving cooperation in the South Asia region," Chretien said adding Canada looks forward to working with India and its neighbours in achieving this goal through dialogue and goodwill.

He said there is potential for improving ties in the field of trade and investment, political and institutional ties, academic and cultural relations, and cooperation on security matters through joint working group on counter-terrorism.

On a working visit to Chandigarh, Chretien was expected to leave India late in the evening.