India’s concerns over “anti-India” Khalistani violence in Canada, and Canadian concerns over “foreign interference” from India, were part of what appeared to be a tense and testy meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in New Delhi on the sidelines of the G-20 summit on Sunday. In readouts of the meeting, delivered by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement and by Mr. Trudeau in a press conference at the Bharat Mandapam’s International Media Centre, both highlighted their differences.
Mr. Modi conveyed “strong concerns” about “extremist elements in Canada” to PM Trudeau, the MEA statement said. “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,” it said adding that the groups had a nexus with organised crime, drug syndicates, and human trafficking. “It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats,” it added.
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