Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will chat briefly Sunday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the margins of the G20 summit, where heB次元官网网址檚 expected to raise concerns about foreign meddling in CanadaB次元官网网址檚 politics.
The Canadian delegation sought a meeting with Modi during the annual meeting of the worldB次元官网网址檚 largest economies, but SundayB次元官网网址檚 10-minute meeting wasnB次元官网网址檛 confirmed until after Trudeau landed Friday in New Delhi.
India, now the worldB次元官网网址檚 most populous country, is featured prominently in the Indo-Pacific, a region Canada is seeking to expand its trade reach and reduce the influence of China.
But national security adviser Jody Thomas has also flagged India as a top source of foreign interference in Canada, particularly around support within CanadaB次元官网网址檚 Sikh community for separatist sentiment emanating from the Indian state of Punjab.
Trudeau vowed Friday that he would raise the issue of foreign interference if granted a face-to-face meeting with Modi.
B次元官网网址淎s always, we will emphasize how important the rule of law is,B次元官网网址� Trudeau told a news conference in Singapore before departing for New Delhi.
China is not the only country deserving of scrutiny when it comes to foreign interference, said Trudeau, whose Liberal government on Thursday announced a long-awaited public inquiry into alleged Chinese activity in Canada.
B次元官网网址淚t is incredibly important that we continue to protect Canadians from any and all types of interference,B次元官网网址� he said.
B次元官网网址淥ne of the things weB次元官网网址檙e focused on in this inquiry is recognizing, yes, China and Russia are responsible for interference, but other countries engage in it as well,B次元官网网址� adding that the commission B次元官网网址渨ill go where the facts bring them.B次元官网网址�
While COVID-19 has featured prominently in discussions at the last several G20 meetings, it wasnB次元官网网址檛 expected to dominate the talks again in New Delhi. But the Canadian delegation remains plagued by the virus, with four members of the travelling delegation on the Asian trip testing positive.
The officials were forced to remain behind following stops in Indonesia and Singapore. A spokesperson for the prime minister would not provide further comment to respect the privacy of the individuals. Trudeau has tested negative.
During the summit, the agenda will be focused on climate change, food security, global energy needs, gender equality and the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
New Delhi has previously argued that elements in Canada have been behind interference in domestic affairs in India, including in relation to the Khalistani separatist movement.
The Indian government sees it as an extremist movement that endangers national security, and has long accused Canada of harbouring extremists. Ottawa has maintained that freedom of speech means groups can voice political opinions so long as they are not violent.
Nadir Patel, CanadaB次元官网网址檚 former high commissioner to India, said the two countries have a resilient relationship, despite some challenges.
B次元官网网址淭his is a thriving relationship, and you canB次元官网网址檛 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,B次元官网网址� Patel said.
This is TrudeauB次元官网网址檚 first trip to India since his controversial visit in 2018. At the time, Modi appeared to ignore TrudeauB次元官网网址檚 presence entirely until the final days of the 10-day visit.
Patel said many of IndiaB次元官网网址檚 priorities at the G20 align with some of CanadaB次元官网网址檚 interests.
B次元官网网址淭he G20 will serve as an opportunity to make headway in those areas, but use those dialogues to bridge gaps that may exist elsewhere,B次元官网网址� Patel said.
B次元官网网址淣ot one issue will sidetrack the entire relationship.B次元官网网址�
The trip also comes as Canada has paused ongoing negotiations for a trade agreement with India.
Earlier this week, federal Trade Minister Mary Ng said the pause is only B次元官网网址渁 reflection to take stock of where we are.B次元官网网址�
On Friday, Trudeau said he had nothing to add.
B次元官网网址淲e know the negotiations around free trades are long and complex and I wonB次元官网网址檛 say anymore at this time.B次元官网网址�
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