India’s Concerns with Canada
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that India’s main issue with Canada is the political space Ottawa provides to anti-India groups that promote extremism and violence. India has repeatedly shared its deep concerns with Canada and expects strong action against these groups.
Prime Minister Modi’s Trip to the G7 Summit
Kwatra’s comments came just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Italy to attend the G7 summit. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will also be attending the summit.
India-Canada Relations
When asked about the relations between India and Canada, Kwatra said, “I think the main issue concerning Canada continues to be the political space that Canada provides to anti-India elements which advocate extremism and violence and we have repeatedly conveyed our deep concerns to them and we expect them to take strong action.”
Recent Elections and Democracy
Kwatra highlighted India’s recent general elections, stating, “We have just concluded our general elections. I am sure everybody would agree that this was the largest democratic exercise in the history of humankind.” He added that around 640 million people voted, and the vibrancy of India’s democracy was appreciated worldwide.
Trudeau’s Remarks on Right-Wing Forces
Trudeau recently commented on the rise of right-wing forces globally, saying, “We have seen around the world a rise of populist right-wing forces in just about every democracy we have seen and it is of concern to see political parties choosing to instrumentalise anger, fear, division, anxiety.” He added, “My approach has always been to respond to it, to understand it and look to solve it.”
Strain in India-Canada Ties
The relationship between India and Canada became strained after Trudeau’s allegations in September last year about the potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India rejected these allegations as “absurd.”
Pro-Khalistani Elements
India has emphasized that the main issue is Canada’s support for pro-Khalistani elements operating freely in Canada. There have been instances of these elements threatening to harm Indian diplomats.
Vandalism of Gandhi Statue in Italy
When asked about the vandalism of a Gandhi statue in Italy, Kwatra called it deplorable and said the matter has been taken up with Italian authorities, who have already made suitable rectifications.
-Prisha Jaiswal