India, Sept. 23 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December, his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney has said. The two countries are seeking to conclude a trade deal by the end of the year.

Carney said India-Canada trade negotiations were making "good progress" and described the bilateral relationship as "exceptionally important" on several fronts.

"We're making good progress in our trade negotiations with India. It is an exceptionally important relationship, on many, many levels.He (PM Modi) will be visiting Canada around that time. I very much look forward to hosting him," Carney said at a news briefing on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

The two countries are looking to fast-t...