Amid strained relations with India, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced questions regarding his failure to secure a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his upcoming trip to the G20 summit in New Delhi. Additionally, inquiries were made into the stalled trade talks between Canada and India. Trudeau declined to provide a direct response, stating that the G20 summit is an opportunity for important discussions about global issues such as climate change, the conflict in Ukraine, and the rule of law. He mentioned that the schedule for the summit was still being finalized.
Trudeau assured reporters that important conversations would take place during the G20 summit, but did not elaborate further. Prior to his trip to Singapore, Canada announced the temporary suspension of trade deal negotiations with India. This decision came after tensions between the two nations escalated due to protests that targeted India’s diplomatic interests. India was particularly displeased with a demonstration in British Columbia that included posters advocating for the destruction of India following the killing of a Sikh leader. A government official attributed the pause in negotiations to the complexity of trade agreements and declined to provide additional details.
When pressed for more information, Trudeau referred to the official’s previous response and emphasized Canada’s experience in negotiating trade deals. The negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and India were initiated in 2010 but were abandoned in 2017. Since 2022, the two countries have been working on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement limited to specific industries.
The strained relations between Canada and India were further exacerbated by what India perceives as Canada’s lenient approach towards Sikh separatists residing in the country. This issue led to diplomatic tensions, with Canada’s High Commissioner being summoned to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The promotion of a protest against India after the Sikh leader’s killing, which featured posters advocating violence and targeted Indian diplomats, sparked India’s reaction. Canada expressed its commitment to the safety of diplomats and condemned the content of the promotional material. In September 2022, the Indian government warned its nationals in Canada about the rise of hate crimes, sectarian violence, and anti-India activities, urging caution and expressing concerns about the alleged perpetrators not facing justice.