• Source:JND
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India-Canada Relations: Days after his first interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the recent G7 Summit in Italy, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed optimism about the alignment between the two countries on several "big issues" and sees an "opportunity" to engage with the new Indian government. This includes potential collaboration on economic ties and "around national security".

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Speaking to CBC News in Ottawa, Trudeau stated that one of the really good things about the Summit is that "you get an opportunity to engage directly with a huge range of different leaders with whom there are various issues and certainly with India, there are massive people to people ties, they're really important economic ties."

"There's alignment on a number of big issues that we need to work on as, as democracies as a global community. But now that he (Modi) is through his election, I think there is an opportunity for us to engage, including on some very serious issues around national security and keeping Canadians safe and the rule of law that we will be engaging," Canadian PM said as quoted by news agency PTI.

Trudeau's remarks came amid strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, stemming from his allegations in September 2022 of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated Sikh terrorist. India had strongly rejected Trudeau's claims as "absurd and motivated".

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The main reason for contention between the two countries has been Canada's perceived tolerance of pro-Khalistan elements operating from its soil. India has repeatedly conveyed its "deep concerns" to Canada and expects Ottawa to take stronger action against these elements.

On Friday, PM Modi posted an image of the two leaders shaking hands-on social media, with a one-liner saying "met Canadian PM Justin Trudeau at the G7 Summit". The G7 Summit was held from June 13-15 in Italy's Apulia region where India was invited as an 'Outreach Country'.

The prime minister held discussions with several international leaders, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron but his diplomatic engagements in Europe were marked by significant meetings with US President Joe Biden and Trudeau.