India has made it clear that relations with Canada cannot be mended unless Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes firm and verifiable action against those involved in anti-India activities.
The latest development comes after a brief exchange between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the ASEAN Summit in Laos, though Indian sources described the encounter as lacking any “substantive discussion.”
Indian officials, according to Wion, have once again expressed concerns over individuals who promote hate, disinformation, and violence against India and its diaspora in Canada.
This is the second time the two leaders have met since Trudeau alleged, in 2023, that India was involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian national and designated terrorist in India.
During a press conference in Laos, Trudeau referred to the exchange with Modi as “brief,” adding, “I emphasised that there is work that we need to do.”
However, Indian government sources reiterated that there had been no meaningful dialogue and Indian side continues to demand that Canada take action against Khalistani extremists who, according to New Delhi, have been using Canadian soil to promote secessionist activities and violence against India. The officials have also highlighted the growing nexus between Khalistani extremists and organised crime gangs, drug syndicates, and human trafficking networks, which they believe should concern Canadian authorities.
Earlier on October 10, 2024, the leaders of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese, Justin Trudeau, and Christopher Luxon met to reaffirm their shared values and collective commitment to tackling global challenges.
In contrast to the strained relations with Canada, Modi’s engagements at the ASEAN summit reflected India’s growing diplomatic ties elsewhere.
Modi met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, expressing satisfaction over their friendship and cooperation. He also held a bilateral meeting with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, discussing areas of mutual interest such as economic collaboration, education, and innovation.
Modi greeted Albanese with a warm hug, showcasing their strong mateship and “dosti” (friendship). Modi’s affectionate greeting symbolised the trust and warmth in the growing partnership between the India and Australia.
In his first meeting with Luxon, Modi said in a post, “Had an excellent meeting with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon. We value our friendship with New Zealand, which is bound together by a commitment to democracy, freedom and the rule of law. Our talks covered sectors such as economic cooperation, tourism, education and innovation.”
As the diplomatic standoff between India and Canada shows no signs of easing, New Delhi remains adamant that restoring relations depends on Ottawa’s willingness to crack down on the forces it believes are fuelling secessionism and extremism.
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