During the G7 Summit in Italy, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attempting to improve strained relations between the two countries.
Mr. Modi posted on the X platform on June 14, describing his meeting with Canadian PM @JustinTrudeau at the G7 Summit. The post included a picture of a handshake between the two leaders, with Mr. Trudeau using two hands to hold Mr. Modi’s right hand.
Recent tensions have emerged between Canada and India due to issues of foreign interference and Sikh separatism, but the specifics of the meeting between the leaders at the G7 Summit have not been released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The PMO previously congratulated Mr. Modi on his re-election on June 5, despite his party losing seats and their majority status. Mr. Trudeau’s statement emphasized the importance of bilateral and Indo-Pacific partnerships focused on human rights, diversity, and the rule of law.
Mr. Modi shared updates on his meetings with various world leaders throughout the day on X. He expressed pleasure in meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and highlighted the ongoing collaboration between India and the USA.
He also had a productive meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the G7 Summit, discussing ways to strengthen India-Italy relations in commerce, energy, defense, and telecom sectors.
Strained Relations
Ahead of the G20 Summit, trade negotiations between Canada and India were paused without explanation. Mr. Trudeau addressed the issue of foreign interference with Mr. Modi at a press conference after the G20 Summit.
The Ministry of External Affairs in India released a readout of the meeting between Mr. Modi and Mr. Trudeau, mentioning discussions about anti-India activities of extremist groups. Subsequently, Mr. Trudeau publicly mentioned allegations of Indian government involvement in the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil in 2023.
The Indian MEA rejected these allegations, calling them absurd and motivated. Suspects in the assassination case are currently in custody awaiting trial.
The United States reported thwarting a plot to assassinate an associate of Mr. Nijjar, allegedly orchestrated by an Indian government official. The Indian MEA is conducting an investigation into the matter.
The Epoch Times attempted to reach the MEA for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.
