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Trudeau Confirms Brief Exchange with PM Modi Amid Strained Canada-India Relations
Vientiane, Laos: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed on Friday that he had a brief interaction with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a summit in Laos, highlighting the need to address unresolved issues between the two countries.
During a press conference in Laos, Trudeau stated that he discussed the ongoing tensions with Modi, stemming from the strained bilateral relations following his allegations of New Delhi’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada last year.
“I emphasised that there is work that we need to do,” Trudeau said, alluding to the need for both nations to engage in dialogue to resolve outstanding concerns. He refrained from sharing specific details of their conversation but reiterated that the safety of Canadians and upholding the rule of law remain paramount for his government.
Relations between Canada and India took a significant downturn after Trudeau accused Indian agents of being linked to Nijjar’s assassination in Surrey, Canada, in June 2023. The accusations were dismissed by India as “absurd” and “politically motivated.”
Following Trudeau’s claims, four Indian nationals were accused of murder and conspiracy in connection with Nijjar’s killing. The issue also gained international attention when the US revealed it was investigating a purported plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, allegedly involving Indian officials.
Trudeau acknowledged that despite the current diplomatic strain, Canada remains committed to strengthening its trade and people-to-people ties with India. He emphasized that addressing these “real issues” would be essential to moving forward and stabilizing relations.
