Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, after his recent meeting with Narendra Modi, who was sworn in as the Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive term earlier this month, expressed optimism about engaging with the new Indian government on various fronts. He emphasized the potential for enhancing economic ties and collaboration on national security matters.
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These remarks are particularly noteworthy in the context of the strained diplomatic relations between the two nations following Trudeau’s previous assertion that Indian agents may have been involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In an interview with CBC News, Trudeau also highlighted the alignment between India and Canada on several significant issues.
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Trudeau meeting
At the recently concluded G7 Summit in Apulia, southern Italy, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Trudeau had their first meeting since Trudeau’s allegations against India in the Canadian Parliament in September last year. In an interview, Trudeau mentioned that the Summit provided him with the opportunity to engage directly with various leaders, including India with which there are significant people-to-people ties and important economic relations. He emphasized that there is alignment on numerous crucial issues that democracies and the global community need to address. Trudeau also noted that with Prime Minister Modi’s re-election, there is an opportunity for engagement on serious matters such as national security, the rule of law, and keeping Canadians safe. When questioned about cooperation from India in the Nijjar murder probe, Trudeau mentioned that work is ongoing.
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Last year, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly denounced the allegations made by Trudeau, describing them as “absurd and motivated”. India has consistently emphasized that the strained diplomatic relations between the two countries stem from Canada providing sanctuary to pro-Khalistan elements who operate from Canadian soil with impunity. India has also repeatedly expressed its “deep concerns” regarding this issue.
The murder of Nijjar is currently under investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). In connection with the investigation, the RCMP has arrested four Indian nationals.
