Strong concerns over anti-India acts of separatists in Canada: PM Modi to Trudeau

In a readout of the meeting between Modi and Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: “He (Modi) conveyed our strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada. They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship.”

“The nexus of such forces with organised crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats,” the MEA said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau upon his arrival at Bharat Mandapam convention center for the G20 Summit, in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci,Pool)

Modi said that a relationship based on “mutual respect and trust” is essential for the progress of India-Canada ties, the MEA said. “The Prime Minister highlighted that India-Canada relations are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties,” it said.

After his meeting with Trudeau, Modi tweeted that they had discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors.

India-Canada ties have been strained over the activities of pro-Khalistan groups. In July, India had summoned the Canadian envoy and issued a demarche, days after posters naming senior Indian diplomats posted in Canada came up in some areas there.

Asked about India’s concerns, Trudeau said at a press conference on Sunday: “Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest, and it is extremely important to us… At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred. I think, on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of a few do not represent the entire community or Canada”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Session-2 on ‘One Family’ of the G20 Summit 2023 at the Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (PTI)

The Canadian government’s official statement said: “Prime Minister Trudeau raised the importance of respecting the rule of law, democratic principles and national sovereignty… The Prime Ministers discussed India’s priorities under this year’s G20 theme, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. They spoke about inclusive economic growth, support for low-and middle-income countries, and access to concessional finance for sustainable development… They noted the importance of welcoming the African Union as a member of the G20.”

Meanwhile, Trudeau, who was scheduled to leave New Delhi at 8 pm, had to delay his departure as the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) plane faced “technical issues”.

“His carcade was ready, but they were informed by the Canadian Armed Forces that their plane was facing some technical issues. Their security personnel were coordinating with the concerned department, and they were informed that the technical issues could not be fixed overnight. It was later decided to postpone his departure until alternate arrangements were made. The information was shared with the MEA,” said sources.

The Canadian High Commission is learnt to have sent a letter to the chief of protocol, MEA, informing that Trudeau and his delegation would not be leaving on Sunday night “due to unforeseen technical reasons”. “They have informed that they will convey the departure flight details once it is finalised, to seek further approvals,” an official said.