OTTAWA - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signed a deal to buy more than 3,000 tonnes of Saskatchewan uranium over the next five years to fuel his country's power reactors.

The five-year contract comes as Modi opens the first full day of his visit to Canada.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper says it shows the commitment of the two countries to expand trade and business.

The uranium deal with Cameco Corp (TSX:CCO.TO - News) is one of a number of agreements signed today, including pledges to co-operate in the areas of civil aviation, rail transport and education and skills development.

Harper and Modi say relations between the two countries are strong and will be stronger.

Modi began his day by meeting Gov. Gen. David Johnston at Rideau Hall before a 21-gun salute and full military honours greeted him in the shadow of the Centre Block, where Harper ushered him into the building for a face-to-face meeting.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version said Modi's visit was the first to Canada by an Indian prime minister since 1973. In fact, Modi's trip is the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister since that time.