Hours after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that he had a "brief exchange" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ASEAN summit in Laos regarding the strained relations between their countries, India strongly refuted this claim, asserting that there was no substantial discussion between the two leaders. Indian government sources indicated that the two leaders merely exchanged greetings upon meeting in Vientiane, and no meaningful conversations occurred.

Speaking to NDTV, Indian officials emphasised that there was no substantial conversation between the two leaders. India has dismissed claims of discussions during a brief exchange, stating that while it values its relationship with Canada, it cannot be improved unless the Canadian government takes strong and verifiable actions against individuals promoting anti-India activities, hate, disinformation, and violence in both countries.

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Regarding the promotion of Khalistani activities in Canada, foreign ministry sources stated, "India still anticipates that anti-India Khalistani activities will not be permitted on Canadian soil and that decisive action, which has been absent so far, will be taken against those promoting violence, extremism, and terrorism against India from Canadian territory.”

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC News) reported that Justin Trudeau referred to his interaction with PM Modi as a "brief exchange." CBC News quoted Trudeau stating, "I emphasised that there is work we need to do."

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India's diplomatic relations with Canada became strained after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested in September 2023 that Indian agents may have been involved in Nijjar's assassination. India has categorically rejected these allegations, labelling them as "absurd" and "politically motivated", while also voicing concerns over Canada's tolerance of pro-Khalistan groups.