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PM is visiting India for the primary time since 2018
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggests he needs to boost the difficulty of international interference in a gathering with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the G20 leaders summit — however it’s not clear but if Modi will give him the chance.
Trudeau arrived in New Delhi Friday for the two-day summit. The G20 agenda is targeted on local weather change, meals safety, international power wants, gender equality and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Trudeau’s authorities lastly introduced Thursday it would maintain a public inquiry into allegations of international interference which have plagued Ottawa for months.
At a information convention in Singapore earlier than leaving for India Friday, Trudeau mentioned his schedule was nonetheless being finalized and a gathering with Modi had not been confirmed.
Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma has additionally been mum on whether or not Modi will find time for Trudeau.
“I’m sure they will meet each other. But what … the format of the meeting will be (is) difficult to say,” mentioned Verma in an interview with The Canadian Press.
India has been a prime supply of international interference in Canada, Trudeau’s nationwide safety adviser Jody Thomas mentioned earlier this yr.
Trudeau steered that if he is granted a face-to-face assembly with Modi, he’ll carry up the difficulty of international interference.
“As always, we will emphasize how important the rule of law is,” Trudeau mentioned Friday at a information convention in Singapore when requested what he would say to Modi about allegations that India has engaged in international meddling, together with in relation to the big Sikh inhabitants in Canada.
The Khalistani separatist motion
Trudeau mentioned China just isn’t the one nation deserving of scrutiny.
“It is incredibly important that we continue to protect Canadians from any and all types of interference,” he mentioned Friday morning.
“One of the things we’re focused on in this inquiry is recognizing, yes, China and Russia are responsible for interference, but other countries engage in it as well,” he mentioned, including the fee “will go where the facts bring them.”
New Delhi has argued that components in Canada have been behind interference in home affairs in India, together with in relation to the Khalistani separatist motion, which advocates for a part of the Indian state of Punjab to turn out to be an unbiased nation.
The Indian authorities perceives this as an extremist motion that endangers nationwide safety and has lengthy accused Canada of harbouring extremists. Ottawa has maintained that freedom of speech means teams can voice political beliefs as long as they aren’t violent.
‘Not one problem will sidetrack your entire relationship’: envoy
Tensions elevated in June after the deadly
shooting of a gurdwara leader in Surrey, B.C., which some within the Sikh group say was a politically motivated assault.
Police mentioned they haven’t any proof of any hyperlinks to international interference and had no cause to imagine the Sikh group in Canada is in danger.
Nadir Patel, Canada’s former excessive commissioner to India, mentioned the 2 international locations have a resilient relationship regardless of some challenges.
“This is a thriving relationship, and you can’t say that about too many countries. India is among our fast growing trading partners, and the relationship is far more resilient than to be sidetracked by one or two issues,” Patel mentioned.
This is Trudeau’s first journey to India since his controversial go to in 2018. At the time, Modi appeared to disregard Trudeau’s presence fully till the ultimate days of the 10-day go to.
Patel mentioned a lot of India’s priorities on the G20 align with Canada’s pursuits.
“The G20 will serve as an opportunity to make headway in those areas, but use those dialogues to bridge gaps that may exist elsewhere,” Patel mentioned.
The journey additionally comes as Canada has paused ongoing negotiations for a commerce settlement with India.
Earlier this week, federal Trade Minister Mary Ng mentioned the pause is simply “a reflection to take stock of where we are.”
On Friday, Trudeau mentioned he had nothing so as to add.
“We know the negotiations around free trade are long and complex and I won’t say any more at this time,” he mentioned.
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